| alpha | Convert based on the alpha part of the name only. Leading or trailing numbers and symbols are discarded. The alpha part is assumed to be an element symbol |
| auto | Attempts several of the other conversions of increasing complexity until a match is found |
| ff | Search through the names of atomtypes in currently-loaded forcefields, assigning elements based on matches found |
| firstalpha | Convert based on the first alpha part of the name only (i.e. until a non-alpha character is found). The alpha part is assumed to be an element symbol |
| name | The name is assumed to be an actual element name, and is converted to the relevant element number |
| numeric | Use the numeric part of the name as the element number |
| singlealpha | Convert based on the first alphabetic character encountered - useful only when single-character element symbols are likely to be found (e.g. for pure organic CHON systems) |
![[Note]](images/note.png)