perl report generation

Hello....
I am generating reports using perl's 'format' mechanism.
So here the length of the field is indicated by padding
out the field with multiple '<' or '>' or '|' characters.
If the variable would exceed the width specified, it is
truncated. But what will happen if the variable does not
reach upto the width specified.
In my case, if the data that i have entered is too small
when compared to the width specified, the specified
width is not given to the field and this affects the alignment
of various fields in my report.

Could u please help.

Thanks in advance...
Dups

Please give sample or example as brain cells are friday low.