Enumeration format strings

You can use the System.Enum.ToString method to create a new string object that represents the numeric, hexadecimal, or string value of an enumeration member. This method takes one of the enumeration formatting strings to specify the value that you want returned.

The following sections list the enumeration formatting strings and the values they return. These format specifiers aren't case-sensitive.

G or g

Displays the enumeration entry as a string value, if possible, and otherwise displays the integer value of the current instance. If the enumeration is defined with the System.FlagsAttribute set, the string values of each valid entry are concatenated together, separated by commas. If the Flags attribute isn't set, an invalid value is displayed as a numeric entry. The following example illustrates the G format specifier.

sample · csharpsamples/snippets/csharp/VS_Snippets_CLR/Formatting.Enum/cs/enum1.cs1

csharp

using System;
using System.IO;

// <Snippet5>
public enum Color { Red = 1, Blue = 2, Green = 3 };
// </Snippet5>

public class Class1
{
   public static void Main()
   {
      ShowGSpecifier();
      ShowFSpecifier();
      ShowDSpecifier();
      ShowXSpecifier();
      ShowExample();
   }

   private static void ShowGSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("G Specifier:");
      // <Snippet1>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("G"));      // 7
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Red.ToString("G"));    // Red

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("G"));          // Hidden, Archive
      // </Snippet1>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowFSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("F Specifier:");
      // <Snippet2>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("F"));       // Monday, Saturday
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Blue.ToString("F"));    // Blue

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("F"));           // Hidden, Archive
      // </Snippet2>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowDSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("D Specifier:");
      // <Snippet3>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("D"));       // 7
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("D"));    // 11

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("D"));           // 34
      // </Snippet3>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowXSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("X Specifier:");
      // <Snippet4>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("X"));       // 00000007
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("X"));    // 0000000B

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("X"));           // 00000022
      // </Snippet4>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowExample()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("Example:");
      // <Snippet6>
      Color myColor = Color.Green;
      // </Snippet6>

      // <Snippet7>
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("G")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("F")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("D")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is 0x{myColor.ToString("X")}.");
      // The example displays the following output to the console:
      //       The value of myColor is Green.
      //       The value of myColor is Green.
      //       The value of myColor is 3.
      //       The value of myColor is 0x00000003.
      // </Snippet7>
   }
}

sample · vbsamples/snippets/visualbasic/VS_Snippets_CLR/Formatting.Enum/vb/enum1.vb1

' Visual Basic .NET Document
Option Strict On

Imports System.IO

' <Snippet5>
Public Enum Color
    Red = 1
    Blue = 2
    Green = 3
End Enum
' </Snippet5>

Module modMain
    Public Sub Main()
        ShowGSpecifier()
        ShowFSpecifier()
        ShowDSpecifier()
        ShowXSpecifier()
        ShowExample()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowGSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("G Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet1>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("G"))    ' 7
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Red.ToString("G"))         ' Red
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("G"))               ' Hidden, Archive
        ' </Snippet1>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowFSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("F Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet2>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("F"))    ' Monday, Saturday
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Blue.ToString("F"))        ' Blue
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("F"))               ' Hidden, Archive
        ' </Snippet2>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowDSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("D Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet3>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("D"))     ' 7
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("D"))         ' 11
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("D"))                ' 34
        ' </Snippet3>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowXSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("X Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet4>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("X"))    ' 00000007
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("X"))        ' 0000000B
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("X"))               ' 00000022
        ' </Snippet4>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowExample()
        Console.WriteLine("Example:")
        ' <Snippet6>
        Dim myColor As Color = Color.Green
        ' </Snippet6>

        ' <Snippet7>
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("G"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("F"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("D"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is 0x{0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("X"))
        ' The example displays the following output to the console:
        '       The value of myColor is Green.
        '       The value of myColor is Green.
        '       The value of myColor is 3.
        '       The value of myColor is 0x00000003.      
        ' </Snippet7>
    End Sub
End Module

F or f

Displays the enumeration entry as a string value, if possible. If the value can be displayed as a summation of the entries in the enumeration (even if the Flags attribute isn't present), the string values of each valid entry are concatenated together, separated by commas. If the value can't be determined by the enumeration entries, then the value is formatted as the integer value. The following example illustrates the F format specifier.

sample · csharpsamples/snippets/csharp/VS_Snippets_CLR/Formatting.Enum/cs/enum1.cs2

csharp

using System;
using System.IO;

// <Snippet5>
public enum Color { Red = 1, Blue = 2, Green = 3 };
// </Snippet5>

public class Class1
{
   public static void Main()
   {
      ShowGSpecifier();
      ShowFSpecifier();
      ShowDSpecifier();
      ShowXSpecifier();
      ShowExample();
   }

   private static void ShowGSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("G Specifier:");
      // <Snippet1>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("G"));      // 7
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Red.ToString("G"));    // Red

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("G"));          // Hidden, Archive
      // </Snippet1>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowFSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("F Specifier:");
      // <Snippet2>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("F"));       // Monday, Saturday
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Blue.ToString("F"));    // Blue

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("F"));           // Hidden, Archive
      // </Snippet2>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowDSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("D Specifier:");
      // <Snippet3>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("D"));       // 7
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("D"));    // 11

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("D"));           // 34
      // </Snippet3>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowXSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("X Specifier:");
      // <Snippet4>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("X"));       // 00000007
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("X"));    // 0000000B

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("X"));           // 00000022
      // </Snippet4>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowExample()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("Example:");
      // <Snippet6>
      Color myColor = Color.Green;
      // </Snippet6>

      // <Snippet7>
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("G")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("F")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("D")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is 0x{myColor.ToString("X")}.");
      // The example displays the following output to the console:
      //       The value of myColor is Green.
      //       The value of myColor is Green.
      //       The value of myColor is 3.
      //       The value of myColor is 0x00000003.
      // </Snippet7>
   }
}

sample · vbsamples/snippets/visualbasic/VS_Snippets_CLR/Formatting.Enum/vb/enum1.vb2

' Visual Basic .NET Document
Option Strict On

Imports System.IO

' <Snippet5>
Public Enum Color
    Red = 1
    Blue = 2
    Green = 3
End Enum
' </Snippet5>

Module modMain
    Public Sub Main()
        ShowGSpecifier()
        ShowFSpecifier()
        ShowDSpecifier()
        ShowXSpecifier()
        ShowExample()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowGSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("G Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet1>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("G"))    ' 7
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Red.ToString("G"))         ' Red
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("G"))               ' Hidden, Archive
        ' </Snippet1>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowFSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("F Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet2>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("F"))    ' Monday, Saturday
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Blue.ToString("F"))        ' Blue
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("F"))               ' Hidden, Archive
        ' </Snippet2>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowDSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("D Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet3>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("D"))     ' 7
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("D"))         ' 11
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("D"))                ' 34
        ' </Snippet3>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowXSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("X Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet4>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("X"))    ' 00000007
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("X"))        ' 0000000B
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("X"))               ' 00000022
        ' </Snippet4>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowExample()
        Console.WriteLine("Example:")
        ' <Snippet6>
        Dim myColor As Color = Color.Green
        ' </Snippet6>

        ' <Snippet7>
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("G"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("F"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("D"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is 0x{0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("X"))
        ' The example displays the following output to the console:
        '       The value of myColor is Green.
        '       The value of myColor is Green.
        '       The value of myColor is 3.
        '       The value of myColor is 0x00000003.      
        ' </Snippet7>
    End Sub
End Module

D or d

Displays the enumeration entry as an integer value in the shortest representation possible. The following example illustrates the D format specifier.

sample · csharpsamples/snippets/csharp/VS_Snippets_CLR/Formatting.Enum/cs/enum1.cs3

csharp

using System;
using System.IO;

// <Snippet5>
public enum Color { Red = 1, Blue = 2, Green = 3 };
// </Snippet5>

public class Class1
{
   public static void Main()
   {
      ShowGSpecifier();
      ShowFSpecifier();
      ShowDSpecifier();
      ShowXSpecifier();
      ShowExample();
   }

   private static void ShowGSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("G Specifier:");
      // <Snippet1>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("G"));      // 7
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Red.ToString("G"));    // Red

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("G"));          // Hidden, Archive
      // </Snippet1>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowFSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("F Specifier:");
      // <Snippet2>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("F"));       // Monday, Saturday
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Blue.ToString("F"));    // Blue

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("F"));           // Hidden, Archive
      // </Snippet2>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowDSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("D Specifier:");
      // <Snippet3>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("D"));       // 7
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("D"));    // 11

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("D"));           // 34
      // </Snippet3>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowXSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("X Specifier:");
      // <Snippet4>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("X"));       // 00000007
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("X"));    // 0000000B

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("X"));           // 00000022
      // </Snippet4>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowExample()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("Example:");
      // <Snippet6>
      Color myColor = Color.Green;
      // </Snippet6>

      // <Snippet7>
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("G")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("F")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("D")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is 0x{myColor.ToString("X")}.");
      // The example displays the following output to the console:
      //       The value of myColor is Green.
      //       The value of myColor is Green.
      //       The value of myColor is 3.
      //       The value of myColor is 0x00000003.
      // </Snippet7>
   }
}

sample · vbsamples/snippets/visualbasic/VS_Snippets_CLR/Formatting.Enum/vb/enum1.vb3

' Visual Basic .NET Document
Option Strict On

Imports System.IO

' <Snippet5>
Public Enum Color
    Red = 1
    Blue = 2
    Green = 3
End Enum
' </Snippet5>

Module modMain
    Public Sub Main()
        ShowGSpecifier()
        ShowFSpecifier()
        ShowDSpecifier()
        ShowXSpecifier()
        ShowExample()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowGSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("G Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet1>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("G"))    ' 7
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Red.ToString("G"))         ' Red
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("G"))               ' Hidden, Archive
        ' </Snippet1>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowFSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("F Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet2>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("F"))    ' Monday, Saturday
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Blue.ToString("F"))        ' Blue
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("F"))               ' Hidden, Archive
        ' </Snippet2>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowDSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("D Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet3>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("D"))     ' 7
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("D"))         ' 11
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("D"))                ' 34
        ' </Snippet3>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowXSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("X Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet4>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("X"))    ' 00000007
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("X"))        ' 0000000B
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("X"))               ' 00000022
        ' </Snippet4>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowExample()
        Console.WriteLine("Example:")
        ' <Snippet6>
        Dim myColor As Color = Color.Green
        ' </Snippet6>

        ' <Snippet7>
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("G"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("F"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("D"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is 0x{0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("X"))
        ' The example displays the following output to the console:
        '       The value of myColor is Green.
        '       The value of myColor is Green.
        '       The value of myColor is 3.
        '       The value of myColor is 0x00000003.      
        ' </Snippet7>
    End Sub
End Module

X or x

Displays the enumeration entry as a hexadecimal value. The value is represented with leading zeros as necessary, to ensure that the result string has two characters for each byte in the enumeration type's underlying numeric type. The following example illustrates the X format specifier. In the example, the underlying types of System.DayOfWeek, System.ConsoleColor and System.IO.FileAttributes is System.Int32, or a 32-bit (or 4-byte) integer, which produces an 8-character result string.

sample · csharpsamples/snippets/csharp/VS_Snippets_CLR/Formatting.Enum/cs/enum1.cs4

csharp

using System;
using System.IO;

// <Snippet5>
public enum Color { Red = 1, Blue = 2, Green = 3 };
// </Snippet5>

public class Class1
{
   public static void Main()
   {
      ShowGSpecifier();
      ShowFSpecifier();
      ShowDSpecifier();
      ShowXSpecifier();
      ShowExample();
   }

   private static void ShowGSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("G Specifier:");
      // <Snippet1>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("G"));      // 7
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Red.ToString("G"));    // Red

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("G"));          // Hidden, Archive
      // </Snippet1>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowFSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("F Specifier:");
      // <Snippet2>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("F"));       // Monday, Saturday
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Blue.ToString("F"));    // Blue

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("F"));           // Hidden, Archive
      // </Snippet2>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowDSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("D Specifier:");
      // <Snippet3>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("D"));       // 7
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("D"));    // 11

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("D"));           // 34
      // </Snippet3>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowXSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("X Specifier:");
      // <Snippet4>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("X"));       // 00000007
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("X"));    // 0000000B

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("X"));           // 00000022
      // </Snippet4>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowExample()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("Example:");
      // <Snippet6>
      Color myColor = Color.Green;
      // </Snippet6>

      // <Snippet7>
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("G")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("F")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("D")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is 0x{myColor.ToString("X")}.");
      // The example displays the following output to the console:
      //       The value of myColor is Green.
      //       The value of myColor is Green.
      //       The value of myColor is 3.
      //       The value of myColor is 0x00000003.
      // </Snippet7>
   }
}

sample · vbsamples/snippets/visualbasic/VS_Snippets_CLR/Formatting.Enum/vb/enum1.vb4

' Visual Basic .NET Document
Option Strict On

Imports System.IO

' <Snippet5>
Public Enum Color
    Red = 1
    Blue = 2
    Green = 3
End Enum
' </Snippet5>

Module modMain
    Public Sub Main()
        ShowGSpecifier()
        ShowFSpecifier()
        ShowDSpecifier()
        ShowXSpecifier()
        ShowExample()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowGSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("G Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet1>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("G"))    ' 7
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Red.ToString("G"))         ' Red
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("G"))               ' Hidden, Archive
        ' </Snippet1>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowFSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("F Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet2>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("F"))    ' Monday, Saturday
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Blue.ToString("F"))        ' Blue
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("F"))               ' Hidden, Archive
        ' </Snippet2>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowDSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("D Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet3>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("D"))     ' 7
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("D"))         ' 11
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("D"))                ' 34
        ' </Snippet3>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowXSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("X Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet4>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("X"))    ' 00000007
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("X"))        ' 0000000B
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("X"))               ' 00000022
        ' </Snippet4>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowExample()
        Console.WriteLine("Example:")
        ' <Snippet6>
        Dim myColor As Color = Color.Green
        ' </Snippet6>

        ' <Snippet7>
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("G"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("F"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("D"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is 0x{0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("X"))
        ' The example displays the following output to the console:
        '       The value of myColor is Green.
        '       The value of myColor is Green.
        '       The value of myColor is 3.
        '       The value of myColor is 0x00000003.      
        ' </Snippet7>
    End Sub
End Module

Example

The following example defines an enumeration called Colors that consists of three entries: Red, Blue, and Green.

sample · csharpsamples/snippets/csharp/VS_Snippets_CLR/Formatting.Enum/cs/enum1.cs5

csharp

using System;
using System.IO;

// <Snippet5>
public enum Color { Red = 1, Blue = 2, Green = 3 };
// </Snippet5>

public class Class1
{
   public static void Main()
   {
      ShowGSpecifier();
      ShowFSpecifier();
      ShowDSpecifier();
      ShowXSpecifier();
      ShowExample();
   }

   private static void ShowGSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("G Specifier:");
      // <Snippet1>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("G"));      // 7
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Red.ToString("G"));    // Red

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("G"));          // Hidden, Archive
      // </Snippet1>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowFSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("F Specifier:");
      // <Snippet2>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("F"));       // Monday, Saturday
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Blue.ToString("F"));    // Blue

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("F"));           // Hidden, Archive
      // </Snippet2>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowDSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("D Specifier:");
      // <Snippet3>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("D"));       // 7
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("D"));    // 11

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("D"));           // 34
      // </Snippet3>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowXSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("X Specifier:");
      // <Snippet4>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("X"));       // 00000007
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("X"));    // 0000000B

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("X"));           // 00000022
      // </Snippet4>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowExample()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("Example:");
      // <Snippet6>
      Color myColor = Color.Green;
      // </Snippet6>

      // <Snippet7>
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("G")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("F")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("D")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is 0x{myColor.ToString("X")}.");
      // The example displays the following output to the console:
      //       The value of myColor is Green.
      //       The value of myColor is Green.
      //       The value of myColor is 3.
      //       The value of myColor is 0x00000003.
      // </Snippet7>
   }
}

sample · vbsamples/snippets/visualbasic/VS_Snippets_CLR/Formatting.Enum/vb/enum1.vb5

' Visual Basic .NET Document
Option Strict On

Imports System.IO

' <Snippet5>
Public Enum Color
    Red = 1
    Blue = 2
    Green = 3
End Enum
' </Snippet5>

Module modMain
    Public Sub Main()
        ShowGSpecifier()
        ShowFSpecifier()
        ShowDSpecifier()
        ShowXSpecifier()
        ShowExample()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowGSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("G Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet1>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("G"))    ' 7
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Red.ToString("G"))         ' Red
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("G"))               ' Hidden, Archive
        ' </Snippet1>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowFSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("F Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet2>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("F"))    ' Monday, Saturday
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Blue.ToString("F"))        ' Blue
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("F"))               ' Hidden, Archive
        ' </Snippet2>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowDSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("D Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet3>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("D"))     ' 7
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("D"))         ' 11
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("D"))                ' 34
        ' </Snippet3>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowXSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("X Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet4>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("X"))    ' 00000007
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("X"))        ' 0000000B
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("X"))               ' 00000022
        ' </Snippet4>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowExample()
        Console.WriteLine("Example:")
        ' <Snippet6>
        Dim myColor As Color = Color.Green
        ' </Snippet6>

        ' <Snippet7>
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("G"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("F"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("D"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is 0x{0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("X"))
        ' The example displays the following output to the console:
        '       The value of myColor is Green.
        '       The value of myColor is Green.
        '       The value of myColor is 3.
        '       The value of myColor is 0x00000003.      
        ' </Snippet7>
    End Sub
End Module

After the enumeration is defined, an instance can be declared in the following manner.

sample · csharpsamples/snippets/csharp/VS_Snippets_CLR/Formatting.Enum/cs/enum1.cs6

csharp

using System;
using System.IO;

// <Snippet5>
public enum Color { Red = 1, Blue = 2, Green = 3 };
// </Snippet5>

public class Class1
{
   public static void Main()
   {
      ShowGSpecifier();
      ShowFSpecifier();
      ShowDSpecifier();
      ShowXSpecifier();
      ShowExample();
   }

   private static void ShowGSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("G Specifier:");
      // <Snippet1>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("G"));      // 7
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Red.ToString("G"));    // Red

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("G"));          // Hidden, Archive
      // </Snippet1>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowFSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("F Specifier:");
      // <Snippet2>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("F"));       // Monday, Saturday
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Blue.ToString("F"));    // Blue

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("F"));           // Hidden, Archive
      // </Snippet2>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowDSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("D Specifier:");
      // <Snippet3>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("D"));       // 7
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("D"));    // 11

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("D"));           // 34
      // </Snippet3>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowXSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("X Specifier:");
      // <Snippet4>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("X"));       // 00000007
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("X"));    // 0000000B

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("X"));           // 00000022
      // </Snippet4>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowExample()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("Example:");
      // <Snippet6>
      Color myColor = Color.Green;
      // </Snippet6>

      // <Snippet7>
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("G")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("F")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("D")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is 0x{myColor.ToString("X")}.");
      // The example displays the following output to the console:
      //       The value of myColor is Green.
      //       The value of myColor is Green.
      //       The value of myColor is 3.
      //       The value of myColor is 0x00000003.
      // </Snippet7>
   }
}

sample · vbsamples/snippets/visualbasic/VS_Snippets_CLR/Formatting.Enum/vb/enum1.vb6

' Visual Basic .NET Document
Option Strict On

Imports System.IO

' <Snippet5>
Public Enum Color
    Red = 1
    Blue = 2
    Green = 3
End Enum
' </Snippet5>

Module modMain
    Public Sub Main()
        ShowGSpecifier()
        ShowFSpecifier()
        ShowDSpecifier()
        ShowXSpecifier()
        ShowExample()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowGSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("G Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet1>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("G"))    ' 7
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Red.ToString("G"))         ' Red
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("G"))               ' Hidden, Archive
        ' </Snippet1>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowFSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("F Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet2>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("F"))    ' Monday, Saturday
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Blue.ToString("F"))        ' Blue
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("F"))               ' Hidden, Archive
        ' </Snippet2>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowDSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("D Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet3>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("D"))     ' 7
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("D"))         ' 11
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("D"))                ' 34
        ' </Snippet3>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowXSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("X Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet4>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("X"))    ' 00000007
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("X"))        ' 0000000B
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("X"))               ' 00000022
        ' </Snippet4>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowExample()
        Console.WriteLine("Example:")
        ' <Snippet6>
        Dim myColor As Color = Color.Green
        ' </Snippet6>

        ' <Snippet7>
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("G"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("F"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("D"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is 0x{0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("X"))
        ' The example displays the following output to the console:
        '       The value of myColor is Green.
        '       The value of myColor is Green.
        '       The value of myColor is 3.
        '       The value of myColor is 0x00000003.      
        ' </Snippet7>
    End Sub
End Module

The Color.ToString(System.String) method can then be used to display the enumeration value in different ways, depending on the format specifier passed to it.

sample · csharpsamples/snippets/csharp/VS_Snippets_CLR/Formatting.Enum/cs/enum1.cs7

csharp

using System;
using System.IO;

// <Snippet5>
public enum Color { Red = 1, Blue = 2, Green = 3 };
// </Snippet5>

public class Class1
{
   public static void Main()
   {
      ShowGSpecifier();
      ShowFSpecifier();
      ShowDSpecifier();
      ShowXSpecifier();
      ShowExample();
   }

   private static void ShowGSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("G Specifier:");
      // <Snippet1>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("G"));      // 7
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Red.ToString("G"));    // Red

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("G"));          // Hidden, Archive
      // </Snippet1>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowFSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("F Specifier:");
      // <Snippet2>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("F"));       // Monday, Saturday
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Blue.ToString("F"));    // Blue

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("F"));           // Hidden, Archive
      // </Snippet2>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowDSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("D Specifier:");
      // <Snippet3>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("D"));       // 7
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("D"));    // 11

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("D"));           // 34
      // </Snippet3>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowXSpecifier()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("X Specifier:");
      // <Snippet4>
      Console.WriteLine(((DayOfWeek)7).ToString("X"));       // 00000007
      Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("X"));    // 0000000B

      var attributes = FileAttributes.Hidden | FileAttributes.Archive;
      Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("X"));           // 00000022
      // </Snippet4>
      Console.WriteLine();
   }

   private static void ShowExample()
   {
      Console.WriteLine("Example:");
      // <Snippet6>
      Color myColor = Color.Green;
      // </Snippet6>

      // <Snippet7>
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("G")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("F")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is {myColor.ToString("D")}.");
      Console.WriteLine($"The value of myColor is 0x{myColor.ToString("X")}.");
      // The example displays the following output to the console:
      //       The value of myColor is Green.
      //       The value of myColor is Green.
      //       The value of myColor is 3.
      //       The value of myColor is 0x00000003.
      // </Snippet7>
   }
}

sample · vbsamples/snippets/visualbasic/VS_Snippets_CLR/Formatting.Enum/vb/enum1.vb7

' Visual Basic .NET Document
Option Strict On

Imports System.IO

' <Snippet5>
Public Enum Color
    Red = 1
    Blue = 2
    Green = 3
End Enum
' </Snippet5>

Module modMain
    Public Sub Main()
        ShowGSpecifier()
        ShowFSpecifier()
        ShowDSpecifier()
        ShowXSpecifier()
        ShowExample()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowGSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("G Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet1>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("G"))    ' 7
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Red.ToString("G"))         ' Red
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("G"))               ' Hidden, Archive
        ' </Snippet1>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowFSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("F Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet2>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("F"))    ' Monday, Saturday
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Blue.ToString("F"))        ' Blue
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("F"))               ' Hidden, Archive
        ' </Snippet2>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowDSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("D Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet3>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("D"))     ' 7
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("D"))         ' 11
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("D"))                ' 34
        ' </Snippet3>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowXSpecifier()
        Console.WriteLine("X Specifier:")
        ' <Snippet4>
        Console.WriteLine((CType(7, DayOfWeek)).ToString("X"))    ' 00000007
        Console.WriteLine(ConsoleColor.Cyan.ToString("X"))        ' 0000000B
        Dim attributes As FileAttributes = FileAttributes.Hidden Or _
                                           FileAttributes.Archive
        Console.WriteLine(attributes.ToString("X"))               ' 00000022
        ' </Snippet4>
        Console.WriteLine()
    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowExample()
        Console.WriteLine("Example:")
        ' <Snippet6>
        Dim myColor As Color = Color.Green
        ' </Snippet6>

        ' <Snippet7>
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("G"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("F"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is {0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("D"))
        Console.WriteLine("The value of myColor is 0x{0}.", _
                          myColor.ToString("X"))
        ' The example displays the following output to the console:
        '       The value of myColor is Green.
        '       The value of myColor is Green.
        '       The value of myColor is 3.
        '       The value of myColor is 0x00000003.      
        ' </Snippet7>
    End Sub
End Module

#G or g

#F or f

#D or d

#X or x

#Example

#See also

G or g

F or f

D or d

X or x

Example

See also