In Brief...

What:  Variable

Why:  Allows you to save a value, numeric or text, for later use

Where:  Insert / Set Variable

How:  Select the variable, select the value to save in it

 

 

 

What is a variable?

 

 Series 5 Basic Class - Self-Paced Modules

Variables

What is a variable?

Variables are containers that hold values for later use. (See video sidebar below.) Let's see how they are created and used in Series 5.

Creating a variable

1. Create a new, blank publication.
2. In the logic area, click on Section / Insert Object Here.
3. From the main menu, select Insert / Set Variable.

Two windows appear - Variable and Set Variable.

You will create the variable object in the "Variable" screen and put a value in the variable in the "Set Variable" screen. Let's create the variable first.

1. In the Variable window, click New.
2. In the Name box, type MyVar.
3. Click in the Type box. Notice you can choose from a list to set the type of value you can place in this variable. Also note that once you have chosen a type, you can't go back and change it.
4. In the Type box, select String.
5. Click Create. Note the Variable box goes away.
6. In the Label box, type Customer Name.
7. In the Value box, we will place the value we wish to save in the variable. In the Value box, type John Smith.
8. Click Create.

Now that we've saved the value, we'll use it on the page.

1. In the document view, click on the document. You will see the blinking cursor at the top left of the page.
2. Type Dear.
3. Hit the space key once.
4. From the main menu, select Insert / Field / Variable.
5. Ensure the varialbe MyVar is selected. You select a variable in this screen by clicking on the square boxes to the left of the variable.

6. Click Create.
7. Note the contents of your variable have now been placed on the page.

Note the contents of the variable are pink with grey background. This is just to give you a visual cue of the varibles on the page. It will actually print in the colors you select.

  

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