---
title: format
framework: professional-video-applications
role: collectionGroup
path: professional-video-applications/format
---

# format

## format

format Reference a video-format definition.

Overview

Use this element to reference one of the video formats listed under [Predefined Video Formats](/documentation/professional-video-applications/predefined-video-formats) through the `name` attribute, or use it to describe a custom video format using the [Format Element Attributes](/documentation/professional-video-applications/format#Format-Element-Attributes). For audio only assets, use the `FFFrameRateUndefined` format.

When `Format Element Attributes` exist, they override the predefined format value identified by the `name` attribute.

> Note >  In FCPXML 1.6 and earlier, Final Cut Pro ignores the `format` element attributes if you specify the name attribute.