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# startFormat(task:options:)

Starts formatting the file system with the given options.

```
func startFormat(task: FSTask, options: FSTaskOptions) throws -> Progress
```

## Parameters

`task`

A task object you use to communicate back to the client.

`options`

Options for performing the format.

## Return Value

An <doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/Foundation/Progress> object that you use to update progress as the format operation progresses. Return `nil` if starting to format the file system encountered an error.

---

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