This record as markdown: /tools/cowork-bench/format-range.md
What format_range does on Cowork Bench
AI agents use format_range to create or update resources in Cowork Bench, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Cowork Bench environment.
Why format_range is rated Medium
This tool modifies the visual/formatting properties of spreadsheet cells. It creates or modifies data (formatting attributes) in a reversible manner — formatting can be changed or reset. No code execution, deletion, or financial operations are involved.
From the tool's definition Apply formatting to a range of cells
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs format_range safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Cowork Bench, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For format_range, this is the rule to start with:
format_range stays usable, but capped: an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Cowork Bench, apply this rule, and every format_range call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about format_range
Apply formatting to a range of cells. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Cowork Bench MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Cowork Bench MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for format_range: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Cowork Bench. Nothing to install.
format_range is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the format_range rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for format_range. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
format_range is provided by the Cowork Bench MCP server (0717376/cowork_bench). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
More on Cowork Bench, and thousands of servers like it.
This server
Across the catalogue