> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ntop.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to separate characters from a decimal string to create labels

## Objective:

Learn how to separate characters from a three decimal (00.0) string to create labels from properties by using a Custom Block. **This Custom Block is designed by Raymond Weitekamp from Polyspectra.**

## Applies to:

* Serialization
* Implicit modeling

## Prerequisites:

This Custom Block may have other uses, but for this tutorial, we are using it with the Serialization Custom Block. Follow along with this [nTop Live](https://ntopology.com/videos/video/ntop-live-labeling-design-variations-with-serial-numbers/) to learn how to use the Serialization Custom Block.

<Note>
  This article uses a Custom Block to create our desired outcome. If you are new to using Custom Blocks, learn how to import, modify, and update them with the following resources:

  * **Learning Center course:**
    * [Intro to Automation](https://learn.ntopology.com/intro-to-automation)
  * **Articles:**
    * [How to update a Custom Block in an active notebook](/help-articles/knowledge-base/user-interface/how-to-update-a-custom-block-in-an-active-notebook)
    * [How to open up a Custom Block](https://support.ntop.com/hc/en-us/articles/4402068300435)
</Note>

## Procedure:

Start with all required Custom Blocks imported.

1. Generate the property you want to turn into a label.

* Ex. Create a **Box from Corners** and extract the X-value from the Max Point.

2. This Custom Block doesn't account for units and it doesn't work for negative values.

* Divide the Max Point property by 1 mm.
* Multiply by -1 if you need to remove a negative value.

3. Add the value to the Custom Block, **CB - 3 Decimal String** (created by Raymond Weitekamp from Polyspectra).

4. Add the **Serialize** Custom Block

* Insert the CB - 3 Decimal String block in the ItemName input.
* Set an Index value.
* Define the Text Size, Letter Spacing, and String Position.
* Edit the Directory to look at your own local folder. Make sure to have a '' at the end of the string.

![An example of using the Serialize and 3 Decimal String custom blocks to generate a label on a box.](https://files.learn.ntop.com/help-articles/implicit-modeling/49969842987155.png)And that's it! You've successfully separated the values into separate characters and created a label.

Are you still having issues? Contact the [support team](https://support.ntopology.com/hc/en-us/requests/new), and we'll be happy to help!

## Download the Example file:

* [Example Files](https://files.learn.ntop.com/Support%20Article%20Example%20Files/Knowledge%20Base/Implicit%20Modeling/Serialization%20Example%20Files.zip)

## Keywords:

*add scalar value how-to text number 3 serial serialize decimal characters character integer*