Tuesday, April 5, 2016

This Month at Zapier: Meet the Formatter, 26 New Apps, Plus a Guide to Infusionsoft

Everything we launched in March: 26 new apps, a tool that transforms your data, and guides you can use to get organized.
Zapier
 

THE ZAPIER MONTHLY

MARCH 2016

Meet the Formatter
 
 

Transform data on the fly with our new Formatter app. Plus, we added 26 new tools and published four guides that will help you have an efficient April.

 
 

Meet The Formatter: Transform Your Data Mid-Zap

Apps don't always see eye-to-eye when it comes to data. Each one has its own way of displaying dates, currencies, and basic text.

Mismatched data formats get really frustrating, especially when you're shuttling info between tools.

That's why we built the Formatter app. It's like a magic wand that you can wave over data to change its structure. Just add a Formatter Action as a step in your Zap, and we'll convert any piece of data into your desired format.

 
formatter options
 

Our Formatter works with dates, does math, truncates text and runs formulas. All while staying in the flow of your Zaps. Pretty handy, huh?

The Formatter is our Swiss Army knife for taming data. Try using it to:

  • Find and replace placeholder text with a client's name or company
  • Crunch sales tax with Excel-style formulas
  • Cut off your Tweets at 140 characters
  • Convert dollars into euros
  • Build a chatbot that replies with randomized messages

(Check out more use cases here)

To illustrate how it works, let's convert a timestamp into a more readable format. Start a Zap, then choose the Formatter as your Action app. We'll be working with the "Date / Time" option.

 
Pick the date / time option
 

We have a timestamp from a recent PayPal sale: 07:33:56 Apr 05, 2016 PDT. That's... not pretty. We don't need that granular information in our CRM or an email to a client.

We can use the Formatter to turn that string into something more human. Stick the "Payment Date" into the input field, and pick your preferred time format.

 
pick a date format
 

07:33:56 Apr 05, 2016 PDT is transformed into "April 5" automatically. Now anytime you make a sale, your Zap will turn the overcomplicated date into the simple version. Plus, you can use the new date throughout the rest of your Zap.

You can learn more about Formatter's many options in this blog post. Or you can start experimenting with your own Formatter magic by hitting the button below.

 
 
 
Apps launched in March
 
 

Meet All 26 Apps We Launched in March

Apps are better when they work together. In March we teamed up with 26 tools to make your work easier through integrations.

Read this rundown of all the new tools we added last month—you might find your next essential app.

Want to add your own app to Zapier? Check out our Developer Platform.
 
 
 
Automate Infusionsoft
 
 

Our Guide to Infusionsoft: 20+ Automation Tips

Infusionsoft helps small businesses shine. Its built-in tools let teams organize their marketing, so they can save time and make more sales.

Here's how our customers automate Infusionsoft with Zapier.

 
 
 
New Guides from March
 
 

Spring Into Action: Have a More Productive April

Get organized, get more done. Seems like a simple formula, right? But in practice things get tedious. No worries, we're here to help.

 
 
 
Organize Your Files
Find Files Faster: How to Organize Your Folders

Use these tips to build a bulletproof filing system, and never lose a document again.


Let's Get This Sorted
 
Don't Derail Your Productivity
Avoid These 9 Productivity Killers

Stay focused. Block out these interruptions and zone in on your most important tasks.


Take Action Against Distraction
Outline Your Ideas
Try 20 Powerful Outlining Apps

Give structure to your ideas. We found 20 tools that will help you draft your next post, project or speech faster.


Your Inside Scoop on Outlines
 
Get Hands on Help
Apply for Zapier's Concierge Program

Put a workflow architect in your corner. Our experts will build processes for you—just kick back and watch your busywork disappear.


Get the White Glove Treatment
 
 

As always, thanks for reading!

Wade

Wade and the Zapier team

 
 
 
 
TRY IT
 
Multi-Step Zaps let you automate powerful workflows with your apps. Try them free (even if you've signed up before).
 
 multi step zaps 
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