# Common //XL Parameters

> [HTML Version](commonxlparameters.htm)

The following table lists the parameters that can be used with several of the //XL directives. Note that:

•	You must list only the parameters you want to use. Simply omit those you don't wish to set.

•	See [Notes on Syntax](notesonsyntax.md).

•	Some of the links below connect to external webpages that contain definitions for multiple parameters. Scroll down the page as needed.

•	Numbers in parentheses (3) refer to the notes which immediately follow the table.

| **** | **** | **Available For Use In...** | | | 
|------|------|------|------|------|------|
| **Name** | **Value** | **Set**<br>**Row** | **Set**<br>**Col** | **Define**<br>**Format** | **Define**<br>**Font** |
| alignh (1) | [ALIGNH\_xxx](http://libxl.com/format.html) | x | x | x |  |
| alignv (1) | [ALIGNV\_xxx](http://libxl.com/format.html) | x | x | x |  |
| bold | Boolean | x | x | x | x |
| bordercolor  | [COLOR\_xxx](http://libxl.com/colors.html) | x | x | x |  |
| borderstyle (1) | [BORDERSTYLE\_xxx](http://libxl.com/format.html) | x | x | x |  |
| fillpattern (1) | [FILLPATTERN\_xxx](http://libxl.com/format.html) | x | x | x |  |
| fontid | Alphanumeric name you assign\*  | x | x | x | x |
| fontcolor  | [COLOR\_xxx](http://libxl.com/colors.html) | x | x | x | x |
| fontname | Font name; eg "Arial", "Courier New" | x | x | x | x |
| fontsize | Integer number of points | x | x | x | x |
| formatid | Alphanumeric name you assign\* | x | x | x |  |
| hidden | Boolean | x | x | x |  |
| indent | Integer 0 - 15 | x | x | x |  |
| italic | Boolean (3) | x | x | x | x |
| locked | Boolean (3) | x | x | x |  |
| mask | [mask](masks.md) | x | x | x |  |
| numfmtid (1) | [NUMFMT\_xxx](number_formats.md) | x | x | x |  |
| patternbgc (2) | [COLOR\_xxx](http://libxl.com/colors.html) | x | x | x |  |
| patternfgc (2) | [COLOR\_xxx](http://libxl.com/colors.html) | x | x | x |  |
| rotation | degrees (4) | x | x | x |  |
| shrinkfit | Boolean (3) | x | x | x |  |
| strikeout | Boolean (3) | x | x | x | x |
| underline | Boolean (3) | x | x | x | x |
| wrap | Boolean (3) | x | x | x |  |


\* so you can refer to it later

**Notes**

1	Because the values for these parameters are uniquely associated with a specific parameter ("ALIGNH\_LEFT" or "BORDERSTYLE\_THICK" or "FILLPATTERN\_GRAY25"), it is not necessary to name the parameter. In other words, ALIGNH\_LEFT by itself on the syntax line is equivalent to alignh=ALIGNH\_LEFT.

2	Counter-intuitive setting: To set the "normal" background color of a cell, set _fillpattern_ to FILLPATTERN\_SOLID and _patternfgc_ to the color. The _patternbgc_ parameter applies only to complex (non-solid) fill patterns.

3	All parameters Boolean values (a) default to no and therefore (b) do not need to be mentioned except to turn on, and (c) do not require a value (Y or 1) to turn on; just naming the parameter on the syntax line ("Italic") turns it on.

4. Rotation values 0-90 specify counterclockwise rotation in degrees.  Values 91-180 specify 1-90 degree rotation clockwise. 255 indicates vertical.