User Name Formats

Platform managers can configure multiple versions of user name formats to use as defaults in different areas of the application. For example, consider using

preferred names in areas primarily used by students and teachers , to ensure you respect each individual's wishes.
full legal names in areas primarily used by your school's administrative or back office staff, to ensure you handle the correct record when multiple users have similar names.

Original user name format

Previously (before 2025), your school used a single format for all users’ names. You either edited the custom format to your needs or else used the default created by Blackbaud. Your (custom or default) format is preserved as Original and is used by default in all System locations.
You can create additional formats and edit System locations to use your new ones.

Create a user name format

Platform managers use predefined placeholders to reformat how user names are shown.

Select Core.
Select Users.
Select User profile settings.
Select User name formats.
Select + Add.
Enter a name to describe the format's purpose.
Use the drop down menu to select a placeholder to add to your format. Then select additional placeholders.

As you enter the format, a preview appears using sample data.

Tip: For placeholders, be sure to retain the exact spelling used from the menu options.
Next, add spaces, punctuation, or additional text (such as "class of").
Select Save.

Tip: Select + Add again to create as many additional formats as needed. There is no limit.

Note: Some features may currently show user names in a format not defined by any of these. They’ll be gradually updated in future releases. The older format will be replaced by a format from your school's settings. They'll also be listed within the corresponding system location. To stay informed, see What's New .