---
url: /set-instructions/format-items-using-the-next-instruction.md
description: >-
  Applies a format to only the element(s) the next instruction specifies, rather
  than the whole working set.
---

# Format Items Using The Next Instruction

A modifier instruction. A `Format` instruction normally applies to the entire working list built up so far - this one restricts the format that comes immediately before it to just whichever element(s) the *next* instruction specifies, instead of everything.

#### Example

```
1. Element: Units, Margin %, Growth %
2. Format 0.0%
3. Format Items Using The Next Instruction
4. Element: Margin %, Growth %
```

Without steps 3-4, `Format 0.0%` would apply to the whole working list, including `Units`. With them, only `Margin %` and `Growth %` - the two elements that should actually be percentages - get the `0.0%` format; `Units` is left alone.

For a format that varies by *condition* rather than a fixed list of named elements, use [Apply Number Formatting Using Formula](/set-instructions/apply-number-formatting-using-formula) instead.

![Format 0.0% restricted to just Margin % and Growth % via Format Items Using The Next Instruction, leaving Units untouched](/set-instructions-example-format-items.svg)