A custom format that is permanently assigned to a variable in a DATA step in SAS Studio cannot be updated in the same session.

The code below illustrates an example. If you create a custom format called WFM, assign it as a permanent format to a variable in a DATA step and print the data set, the results are printed correctly.

proc format lib=libref;
   value wfm
      low-100 = 'low'
      other = 'high'
   ;
run;

data class;
   set sashelp.class;
   format weight wfm.;
run;

proc print data=class (obs=5);
   var name weight;
run;

If you then change the custom format definition and print the same data set, the updated format is not used.

proc format lib=libref;
   value wfm
      low-100 = 'L'
      other = 'H'
   ;
run;

proc print data=class (obs=5);
   var name weight;
run;

You must exit or reset your SAS Studio session in order to apply the updated format.

To circumvent the problem, use the format in a procedure step rather than permanently assigning it to the variable. For example:

proc format lib=work;
   value wfm
      low-100 = 'low'
      other = 'high'
   ;
run;

data class;
   set sashelp.class;
run;

proc print data=class (obs=5);
   format weight wfm.;
   var name weight;
run;

When you use a format in a procedure step, any changes to the format definition are reflected in the results in the same session.

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