A practical field guide from Automation Ace.
The short answer
In Make, you can transform data inside any mapped field using built-in functions, so you rarely need an extra module just to format something. The ones you will use most are formatDate() and parseDate() for dates, trim(), lower(), and replace() for text, map(), join(), and length() for arrays, parseNumber() and round() for numbers, and ifempty() and if() for defaults and conditions. Function arguments are separated with semicolons.
Dates and times
| Function | Example |
|---|---|
| formatDate(date; format; timezone) | formatDate(now; "YYYY-MM-DD"; "America/Los_Angeles") |
| parseDate(text; format) | parseDate("10/27/2026"; "MM/DD/YYYY") |
| addDays(date; number) | addDays(now; 7) for one week from now |
| addHours / addMinutes / addMonths | addHours(now; -2) for two hours ago |
| now / today | The current date and time, or today's date |
Date format tokens include YYYY, MM, DD, HH, and mm. Always pass a time zone when formatting dates for people to read. See why an automation uses the wrong time zone and why dates are off by one day.
Text
| Function | What it does |
|---|---|
| trim(text) | Removes spaces at the start and end |
| lower(text) / upper(text) / capitalize(text) | Changes case, for example to compare emails |
| replace(text; search; replacement) | replace(phone; "-"; emptystring); also accepts a regex like /\D/g |
| substring(text; start; end) | Takes part of a string |
| split(text; separator) | Turns text into an array |
| contains(text; value) | Checks whether text includes a value |
| length(text) | Counts characters |
For pulling values out of messy text, see regex in Zapier and Make.
Arrays
| Function | What it does |
|---|---|
| map(array; key) | Pulls one field from every item, for example all emails |
| join(array; separator) | Turns an array into text, for example join(names; ", ") |
| length(array) | Counts items |
| first(array) / last(array) | Picks the first or last item |
| get(array; path) | Gets a value by position or path, for example get(items; 1) |
| sort / distinct / slice | Sorts, removes duplicates, or takes part of an array |
| merge(array1; array2) | Combines arrays |
Make arrays start at position 1, not 0. Using functions on arrays is often cheaper than looping with an iterator. See Make iterators and aggregators.
Numbers and math
| Function | What it does |
|---|---|
| parseNumber(text; decimal separator) | Turns text such as 2,500.00 into a number |
| formatNumber(number; decimals; decimal sep; thousands sep) | Formats a number for display |
| round / ceil / floor | Rounds a number |
| sum / average / max / min | Works on arrays of numbers, for example sum(map(items; price)) |
Convert text to numbers before comparing them in filters and routers. See why a Make router uses the wrong route.
Defaults and logic
| Function | What it does |
|---|---|
| ifempty(value; default) | Uses a default when a value is empty, for example ifempty(company; "Unknown") |
| if(condition; then; else) | Returns one of two values |
| switch(value; case1; result1; ...; default) | Maps several values to results, like a small lookup table |
| emptystring / emptyarray | Explicit empty values for replacements and defaults |
Defaults prevent many DataErrors caused by blank required fields. See why a Make scenario fails with DataError and handling blank and missing values.
Tips for using functions
- Nest functions to combine steps, for example
lower(trim(email)). - Test with real data by running the module once and checking the output bundle.
- Keep long formulas readable by splitting them across a Set variable module and adding a module note.
- Use a Code or HTTP step when a formula gets too complex to maintain.
Coming from Zapier? Make functions cover much of what Formatter does. See Zapier date modifiers for the comparison.
Frequently asked questions
How do I format a date in Make?
Use formatDate with the date, a format such as YYYY-MM-DD, and a time zone, for example formatDate(now; "YYYY-MM-DD"; "America/New_York").
How do I turn text into a number in Make?
Use parseNumber with the text and its decimal separator. Remove currency symbols first with replace, then compare or calculate with the result.
How do I set a default value for an empty field in Make?
Use ifempty with the field and the default value, for example ifempty(company; "Unknown"). It returns the default whenever the field is empty.
Do Make arrays start at 0 or 1?
Make arrays start at 1, so get(items; 1) returns the first item. This differs from JavaScript and Python, which start at 0.
Disclaimer: Make features, module names, limits, and billing change over time; confirm current details in Make's documentation. This article may include links to apps, products, or services; some links may be affiliate links, which means Automation Ace may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.