+++
title = "Map a regular expression"
weight = 40
aliases = ["/docs/sources/panels/format-data/map-a-regular-expression/"]
+++

# Map a regular expression

Map a regular expression when you want to format the text and color of a regular expression value.

## Before you begin

- [Add a panel to a dashboard]({{< relref "../working-with-panels/add-panel.md" >}}).

**To map a regular expression**:

1. Edit the panel for which you want to map a regular expression.
1. In the panel display options, in the **Value mappings** section, click **Add value mappings**.
1. Click **Add a new mapping** and then select **Regex**.
1. Enter the regular expression pattern for Grafana to match.
1. (Optional) Enter display text.
1. (Optional) Set the color.
1. Click **Update** to save the value mapping.