# Initialize(Format, int, int)

> Initializes the instance of Placeholder.

## Definition

* **Type:** Method
* **Namespace:** [Unity.SmartStrings.Core.Parsing](/engine/6000.7/script-reference/unity/smartstrings/core/parsing.md)
* **Assembly:** UnityEngine.SmartStringsModule

```csharp
public Placeholder Initialize(Format parent, int startIndex, int nestedDepth)
```

### Parameters

**** (\[Format]\(/engine/6000.7/script-reference/unity/smartstrings/core/parsing/format)): Parent [Placeholder.Format](/engine/6000.7/script-reference/unity/smartstrings/core/parsing/placeholder/format.md) of the placeholder.**** (\[int]\(https\://learn.microsoft.com/dotnet/api/system.int32)): Index inside the input string where the placeholder starts.**** (\[int]\(https\://learn.microsoft.com/dotnet/api/system.int32)): Nesting level of this placeholder.

### Returns

| Type                                                                                          | Description                                                                                                  |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| [Placeholder](/engine/6000.7/script-reference/unity/smartstrings/core/parsing/placeholder.md) | This [Placeholder](/engine/6000.7/script-reference/unity/smartstrings/core/parsing/placeholder.md) instance. |