Get to know variables

Variables turn a reusable template into a flexible message. Instead of creating a separate template for every customer, date, order, or situation, you can fill in the changing details when you use the template.

How to add a variable

1. Open the template editor.
2. Place the cursor where the changing information should appear.
3. Choose a variable from the variable menu.
4. Configure its options.
5. Save the template.
6. Test it before sharing it with your team.

When you use the template, Typedesk asks for the missing information before inserting the final text.

Text Field

Use a Text Field when you want someone to type a value, such as:

• Customer name
• Order number
• Product name
• Meeting topic

You can add a default value when one answer is used frequently.

If you enable the option to remember the last value, avoid using it for passwords, payment details, medical information, or other sensitive data.

Account placeholders

Account placeholders can insert information connected to the current Typedesk user, such as their name or email address.

These are useful in team templates because each team member can insert their own details without maintaining a separate copy.

Multiple Choices

Use Multiple Choices when someone should select from a prepared list.

For example, a delivery template could offer:

• Standard delivery
• Express delivery
• Local pickup

Prepared choices make templates faster to complete and help teams use consistent wording.

Date and Time

Date and Time variables insert a date or time when the template is used.

Available date-output languages include:

• English
• French
• German
• Spanish
• Italian
• Portuguese for Brazil

The output defaults to the desktop app's interface language. You can choose another language for an individual Date and Time variable using Translate date.

The interface language and the date-output language are separate settings.

Clipboard Contents

The Clipboard Contents variable inserts the text currently copied to your clipboard.

It can be convenient for moving information into a template, but take a quick look before inserting it. Your clipboard may contain something different from what you expected.

Random Value

Random Value selects one item from a list you create. It can be useful for rotating greetings, examples, or non-critical variations.

Learn more in How do I insert a random value?.

Calculated Field

Calculated Fields use values from other variables to produce a result.

The exact calculation options depend on the current calculation builder. Use only calculations you have tested with the current Typedesk version.

Another Response

Another Response inserts content from another Typedesk template. It is useful when several templates need to reuse the same approved paragraph, signature, or policy text.

Conditional wording

Conditional variables can change part of a template based on a selected answer.

For more flexible conditions, see How can I add conditional blocks?.

Form automation

Form automation variables, including the Tab Key variable, can move between fields in a predictable form.

See Automatically fill out forms with Typedesk.

Can I reuse the same answer more than once?

Yes. When the same detail appears several times, configure the template so the answer is collected once and reused where needed.

See Can I reuse the same variable multiple times?.

One answer, several appearances, zero copy-and-paste acrobatics.