Text Expander Variables: Names, Dates and Choices

These examples use the new desktop and Chrome syntax. For the mobile keyboard, see the mobile variables guide.

Ask for a name

Hello {{name:Customer}},
Thanks for getting in touch.

You’ll see the snippet with a field to complete before inserting it.

Offer a choice

{{pick:Greeting|Hello|Hi|Hey}} {{name:Customer}}

Choose a greeting when inserting. To choose randomly instead, use {{Hello|Hi|Hey}}.

Add a date or time

Use {{date:DD/MM/YYYY}} or {{time:HH:mm}}. The editor’s date selector provides common formats.

Use copied text

{{clipboard}} inserts clipboard text. Chrome requires clipboard access; this may be unavailable on insecure HTTP pages.

Place the cursor

Hello {{cursor}},
Thanks for your message.

In supported editors, the cursor returns to the marked position after insertion.

A customer reply you can reuse

Save the following as a snippet with the abbreviation ;followup:

{{pick:Greeting|Hello|Hi}} {{name:Customer}},
Thanks for contacting us about {{name:Topic}}.
I’ll {{pick:Next step|review the details|check with the team|send an update}} and get back to you.
Best,
{{name:Your name}}

When inserting it, choose the greeting and next step, then fill in the names and topic. Review the completed reply before sending it.

Choose a value or let LazyBoard choose

Use {{pick:Greeting|Hello|Hi|Hey}} when you want to choose from a list. Use {{Hello|Hi|Hey}} when any greeting is suitable and you want LazyBoard to select one randomly.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Use two opening and two closing braces: {{name:Customer}}.
• Separate choices with |, and give every picker a label and nonempty choices.
• Use MM for the month and mm for minutes.
• Repeated fields with the same label share a value. Give fields different labels when you want different answers.

Start with one variable, save the snippet, and test it before adding more. For clipboard variables, check what you copied before inserting it.

Continue setting up LazyBoard

Follow the desktop setup guide or Chrome extension guide. Mobile keyboard variables use different syntax; use the mobile variables guide for iPhone and Android.

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