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How to add/edit a variable?

The variable system enables dynamic content in templates and clauses with automatic replacement across entire documents to ensure consistency when filling client-specific information during deed drafting.

Written by Magali @Nora
Updated over 4 months ago

Step-by-step instructions

Add Variables to Template/Clause:

  1. When editing template or clause

  2. Identify dynamic content that changes per client/case (names, dates, amounts, addresses)

  3. Add a new variable through two options:

    1. From the settings section on the right. You can either add a variable which already exists in your variable library, or create a new one.

    2. Replace static text with variable syntax {{variable_name}}

  4. Variable naming best practices:

    • Use descriptive names: {{client_full_name}} not {{name1}}

    • Use underscores for spaces: {{property_address}} not {{property address}}

    • Lowercase recommended: {{company_name}} not {{COMPANY_NAME}}

    • No special characters: avoid {{client@email}}, use {{client_email}}

  5. Example transformations:

    • Static: "The company SA Dupont Industries" → Variable: "The company {{company_name}}"

    • Static: "registered under number BE 0123.456.789" → "registered under number {{registration_number}}"

    • Static: "on 15 November 2024" → "on {{liquidation_date}}"

  6. Variables automatically highlighted in editor (typically blue background)

  7. Save template/clause with variables

Modify Variable Names:

  1. Edit template or clause

  2. Change variable name: {{company_name}} → {{legal_entity_name}}

  3. Update all instances manually (find-and-replace recommended)

  4. Save changes

  5. Warning: Documents using old variable name will not auto-update

Practical example

Template creator Marie Lefevre designs "Property Sale Deed - Residential" template with 25 variables: {{seller_name}}, {{buyer_name}}, {{property_address}}, {{cadastral_number}}, {{sale_price}}, {{deposit_amount}}, {{sale_date}}, {{possession_date}}, {{notary_name}}, {{notary_office}}, etc. Junior notary Thomas uses this template to draft a property sale. He inserts the template, sees 25 highlighted variables. He systematically fills all 25 variables using the variable panel checklist. When he fills {{notary_name}} with "Thomas Mercier", the name appears consistently in the opening paragraph, signature block, and witness section (3 locations). The entire 12-page deed is complete in 8 minutes with perfect internal consistency - no risk of forgetting to update a name in one location.

Notes and limitations

  • Syntax: Variables can be added in many different formats. If you add them manually within the text, then only {{variable_name}} format supported (double curly braces, no spaces inside)

  • Case-sensitive: {{Company_Name}} and {{company_name}} are different variables

  • No default values: Variables don't support default values (e.g., {{name:John Doe}} not supported)

  • No formulas: Cannot calculate or execute logic (e.g., {{price * 1.21}} not supported)

  • No conditionals: Cannot show/hide content based on variable values

  • Manual consistency: Must ensure variable names are consistent across template (typos create separate variables)

  • No type validation: Variables are plain text - system doesn't validate if date is valid date, number is number, etc.

  • No required/optional: No way to mark variables as required vs. optional

FAQ

Q: Can variables have default values so I don't have to fill every single one?

A: No, today variables do not support default values. If a variable is not filled during drafting, it remains as {{variable_name}} in the final document (visible as unfilled placeholder).

Q: Can I use conditionals to show/hide sections based on variable values?


A: No, conditional logic is not supported today. Variables are simple text replacements only. If you need document variations (e.g., different clauses for SA vs. NV companies), create separate templates rather than trying to use conditional variables. Alternatively, insert appropriate clauses manually during drafting based on case requirements.

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