AI Format

Overview

This function standardizes and restructures text based on a specified format using AI. It’s especially useful for cleaning and organizing inconsistent data in a structured way, making it easier to work with data from various sources.

View Python code on GitHub

Usage

Formats text according to a specific desired structure or pattern.


=AI_FORMAT(text, format, [temperature], [model], [max_tokens])

Arguments:

Argument	Type	Description	Default
`text`	string/range	The text or cell reference containing the data to format.
`format`	string	The desired output format description (e.g., “ISO date format”, “formal business letter”).
`temperature`	float	Optional: Controls the randomness/creativity of the response (0.0 to 2.0). Lower values are more deterministic.	`0.0`
`model`	string	Optional: The specific AI model ID to use (must support JSON mode, e.g., ‘mistral-small-2501’).	`mistral-small-2501`
`max_tokens`	int	Optional: Maximum number of tokens for the generated formatted content.	`1500`

Returns:

Return Value	Type	Description
Formatted Text	string	The reformatted text according to the specified format. Returns `[["Error: ..."]]` on failure.

Examples

1. Standardizing Customer Contact Information

Format inconsistent customer data into a standard format.


=AI_FORMAT("John Smith / Marketing Director - Acme Inc / [email protected] - 555.123.4567", "standard business contact card format")

Sample Output:


John Smith Marketing Director Acme Inc. Email: [email protected] Phone: (555) 123-4567

2. Formatting Financial Figures

Standardize financial figures for reporting.


=AI_FORMAT("Revenue: 2.4m; COGS: 1.1m; Gross Margin: 1.3m (54%); Opex: 950k; EBITDA: 350k", "professional financial statement format with proper currency notation")

Sample Output:


Revenue: $2,400,000<br>Cost of Goods Sold:$ 1,100,000 Gross Margin: $1,300,000 (54%)<br>Operating Expenses:$ 950,000 EBITDA: $350,000

3. Converting Customer Feedback to Structured Format

Format free-form customer feedback into a structured review.


=AI_FORMAT("Used the product for 3 weeks. Good quality but shipping took forever. Customer service was helpful though. Probably would buy again if they fix delivery issues.", "structured product review with ratings")

Sample Output:


Overall Rating: 3.5/5 Product Quality: 4/5 - Good quality product Shipping & Delivery: 2/5 - Excessive delivery time Customer Service: 4/5 - Helpful support Would Purchase Again: Yes, conditionally Additional Comments: Customer would likely repurchase if delivery issues are resolved.

4. Standardizing Address Data

Format inconsistent address entries into a standard format.


=AI_FORMAT("123 business park dr suite 12, austin tx 78701", "standard US business address format")

Sample Output:


123 Business Park Drive Suite 12 Austin, TX 78701

5. Converting Notes to Action Item Format

Format meeting notes into a structured action item list.


=AI_FORMAT("Tom said we need to finish the report by Friday. Maria will contact the client about budget concerns. Everyone should review the new marketing strategy before next meeting on 5/10.", "action items with responsible parties and deadlines")

Sample Output:


ACTION ITEMS: 1. [Tom] Complete report - Due: Friday 2. [Maria] Contact client regarding budget concerns - Due: ASAP 3. [All Team Members] Review new marketing strategy - Due: Before May 10 meeting