# Convert to string literal

#### Convert to string literal

```
 Action    name: MakeStrlit
 
```

This command converts the current unexplored bytes to a string.

The set of allowed characters is specified in the [configuration](https://docs.hex-rays.com/9.0/user-guide/configuration/configuration-files) file, parameter StrlitChars. Character '\0' is not allowed in any case. If the current [assembler](https://docs.hex-rays.com/9.0/user-guide/user-interface/options#specify-target-assembler) does not allow characters above 0x7F, characters with high bit set are not allowed.

If the [anchor](https://docs.hex-rays.com/9.0/user-guide/disassembler/navigation/anchor) has been dropped, IDA will take for the string all characters between the current cursor position and the anchor.

Use the [anchor](https://docs.hex-rays.com/9.0/user-guide/disassembler/navigation/anchor) if the string starts a disallowed character.

This command also generates a [name](https://docs.hex-rays.com/9.0/user-guide/disassembler/navigation/how-to-enter-an-identifier) for the string. In the [configuration](https://docs.hex-rays.com/9.0/user-guide/configuration/configuration-files) file, you can specify the characters allowed in names (NameChars).

You can change the literal string length using [Array](https://docs.hex-rays.com/9.0/user-guide/user-interface/menu-bar/edit/convert-to-array) command.

The GUI version allows you to assign a special hotkey to create Unicode strings. To do so, change the value of the StringUnicode parameter in the IDAGUI.CFG file.

#### Pascal Strings

To create Pascal style strings (with first byte indicating string length) use [Set String Style](https://docs.hex-rays.com/9.0/user-guide/user-interface/options#string-literal-style-dialog) command.

See also [Edit](https://github.com/HexRaysSA/docs/blob/main/user-guide/user-interface/menu-bar/edit/edit.md) submenu