> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.astera.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.astera.com/faqs/destinations/i-want-to-change-the-output-format-of-a-column..md).

# I want to change the output format of a column.

I want to change the output format of a column, say integer to string, or vice versa. Any error trapping abilities with that conversion?

Yes, in Astera, you can change the data types of fields while exporting the data. Although you can convert the integer data type to string data type, vice versa is only possible if your string data type is convertible to an integer data type. Else, Astera will give an error and create a record level log of those erroneous records.

<figure><img src="/files/Wx3oMJ1u4rH9mTeUWsNA" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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