# localizedStringWithFormat: Returns a string created by using a given format string as a template into which the remaining argument values are substituted according to the current locale. ``` + (instancetype) localizedStringWithFormat:(NSString *) format; ``` ## Parameters `format` A format string. See [Formatting String Objects](https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/Strings/Articles/FormatStrings.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/20000943) for examples of how to use this method, and [String Format Specifiers](https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/CoreFoundation/Conceptual/CFStrings/formatSpecifiers.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40004265) for a list of format specifiers. This value must not be `nil`. Raises an `NSInvalidArgumentException` if `format` is `nil` . ## Return Value A string created by using `format` as a template into which the following argument values are substituted according to the formatting information in the current locale. ## Discussion Pass a comma-separated list of variadic arguments to substitute into `format`. This method is equivalent to using [`initWithFormat:locale:`](/documentation/Foundation/NSString/initWithFormat:locale:) and passing the current locale as the locale argument. As an example of formatting, this method replaces the decimal according to the locale in `%f` and `%d` substitutions, and calls [`description(withLocale:)`](/documentation/Foundation/NSNumber/description(withLocale:)) instead of where necessary. This code excerpt creates a string from another string and a float: ```objc NSString *myString = [NSString localizedStringWithFormat:@"%@: %f\n", @"Cost", 1234.56]; ``` The resulting string has the value “`Cost: 1234.560000\n`” if the locale is `en_US`, and “`Cost: 1234,560000\n`” if the locale is `fr_FR`. See [Formatting String Objects](https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/Strings/Articles/FormatStrings.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/20000943) for more information. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)