Or simpler, faster and works with expression also.

lnFormat = EVAL(lcFormat)

>You already made lnFormat numeric with macro substitution:
>

>lcFormat = ALLTRIM(fg.txt_format) && TEXT_LEFT coming in from the table.
>lnFormat = &lcFormat  && lnFormat is now numeric
>
>*** I prefer to do this that way
>*** lnFormat = VAL(lcFormat)
>*** or even easy
>*** lnFormat = VAL(ALLTRIM(fg.txt_format))
>*** but it's your choice
>apierror = DrawText(.hDC, lcText, lnLen, txtbox, lnFormat)
>