The phrase "alter the format" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing changes to the structure or presentation of a document, file, or data.
Example: "To improve readability, we need to alter the format of the report before submission."
Alternatives: "change the format" or "modify the format."
New Zealand's plan is to alter the format of a 16-team tournament.
This spring, he mailed a letter to Commissioner Selig, in which he outlined a proposal to alter the format of the game's most sacred ritual, the World Series.
That element was slightly unfair; Peter Dawson, the International Golf Federation president and a key proponent of this Olympic return, always stated that earning Games status was pivotal, with scope to alter the format for future years.
Under the "Time Display" tab, you can alter the format of the displayed date to conform to your data.
Snooker chief Barry Hearn has allayed the fears of traditionalists by revealing he has no plans to alter the format of the World Championship.
Snow can be used to alter the format of outdoor games such as Capture the flag, or for snowball fights.
Mr Bernanke has altered the format of the FOMC's discussions to encourage debate.
Mr. Bush's representatives prevailed, however, in altering the format so that there will be more time than in the past for give and take on a single topic.
They have occasionally altered the format, organizing a theme meal at a residence or an underground restaurant, like a reptile dinner with the supper club Whisk and Ladle, or the insect meal that proved such a test for Mr. Zaman.
As the N.C.A.A. prepares to unveil its 65-team field on what has become known as Selection Sunday, the possibility of radically altering the format -- perhaps as soon as next year -- is being seriously considered.
Mr. Shapiro, an experienced producer of reality television dating back to the "Scared Straight" specials and the long-running series "Rescue 911," said he had been working on altering the format since March and focusing mainly on "developing a more dynamic cast".
