> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.autype.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Variables Panel
> Define and manage document variables — text, numbers, images, lists, and tables — for reusable content, bulk generation, and API automation.
The Variables panel () lets you define **named placeholders** that can be used throughout your document. Instead of repeating the same value in multiple places, define it once as a variable and reference it with `{{variableName}}` — when the value changes, every occurrence updates automatically.
***
## Why use variables?
* **Central updates** — Change a company name, logo, or document number in one place and it updates everywhere in the document.
* **Bulk generation** — Variables serve as the template for [bulk document creation](/automation/overview). Define default values in the editor, then override them per document via CSV or API.
* **API automation** — When generating documents via the [REST API](/api-reference/introduction), variables are passed as JSON. The values defined in the panel act as defaults that can be overridden at render time.
***
## Variable types
Autype supports five variable types. Use the buttons at the top of the panel to add a new variable:
| Type | Icon | Use case |
| ---------- | ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| **Text** | | Short inline values — names, dates, labels |
| **Number** | | Numeric values — amounts, counts, IDs, chart data |
| **Image** | | Logos, signatures, photos — anything visual |
| **List** | | Ordered or unordered lists of items |
| **Table** | | Structured data with named columns and rows |
When creating a variable, you choose a **name** that must start with a letter or underscore and can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores (e.g. `companyName`, `logo_image`, `featureList`). The name cannot be changed after creation.
***
## Text variables
A text variable holds a single string value (max 1,000 characters). Use it for anything that appears inline in your document — company names, author names, dates, etc.
**Insert into document:**
```markdown theme={null}
Dear {{companyName}}, please find attached...
```
Text variables can be placed **anywhere inline** — inside paragraphs, headings, table cells, or list items.
***
## Number variables
A number variable holds a single numeric value (integer or decimal). Use it for amounts, counts, IDs, or any dynamic numeric content.
**Insert into document:**
```markdown theme={null}
Total: {{totalAmount}} EUR
```
Number variables are automatically converted to their string representation when used inline. They are especially useful in **chart data arrays**, where they are resolved to numeric values at render time.
For chart variable substitution details, see the [JSON Syntax — Charts](/api-reference/json-syntax/sections/media#variable-substitution-in-charts) reference.
***
## Image variables
An image variable stores a reference to an image file along with optional **width**, **height**, and **caption** properties.
You can either enter an image path manually or click the button to upload an image directly. Uploaded images are stored as project assets.
| Field | Required | Description |
| ----------- | -------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Source** | Yes | Image path (e.g. `/image/assetId`) or external URL |
| **Width** | No | Width in pixels (10–2,000) |
| **Height** | No | Height in pixels (10–2,000) |
| **Caption** | No | Caption text displayed below the image (max 200 characters) |
**Insert into document:**
```markdown theme={null}
{{companyLogo}}
```
Image variables must be placed on their **own line** — they cannot be used inline within a paragraph.
***
## List variables
A list variable holds an ordered or unordered list of text items (up to 100 items, each max 1,000 characters). Toggle between **Unordered** and **Ordered** using the switch at the top of the variable.
Use **+ Add Item** to add entries and the button to remove individual items.
**Insert into document:**
```markdown theme={null}
{{featureList}}
```
List variables must be placed on their **own line** — they cannot be used inline within a paragraph.
***
## Table variables
A table variable stores structured data with **named columns** and **rows** (max 100 rows × 20 columns, cell content max 1,000 characters). Click **Edit Table Data** to open the table editor modal.
In the modal you can:
* **Edit column headers** — click directly on the header cells to rename them
* **Edit cell values** — click any cell to change its content
* **Add / remove rows and columns** — use the buttons below the table
* **Delete individual rows** — click the button on each row
The modal also shows the syntax hint for referencing individual columns: `{{TableName.columnName}}`.
**Insert into document:**
```markdown theme={null}
:::table{dataSource="PerformanceTable"}
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
| --- | --- | --- |
:::
```
The column headers in the Markdown must match the column names defined in the variable. The `| --- |` separator row is required. At render time, the table is populated with the data from the variable.
Table variables use the directive syntax and must be placed on their **own line** — they cannot be used inline.
***
## Inserting variables
Every variable in the panel has a **copy button** that copies the correct insertion syntax to your clipboard:
| Variable type | Copied syntax |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Text** | `{{variableName}}` |
| **Number** | `{{variableName}}` |
| **Image** | `{{variableName}}` |
| **List** | `{{variableName}}` |
| **Table** | `:::table{dataSource="variableName"}` + column headers |
Paste the copied syntax directly into your document at the desired position.
You can also type `{{` manually in the editor and enter the variable name. The toolbar provides a dedicated variable insert button as well.
***
## Variables and bulk generation
The variables you define in the panel serve as the **default template values**. When you use [bulk generation](/automation/overview) or the [API](/api-reference/introduction), you can override any variable per document:
1. **Define variables** in the sidebar with sensible defaults
2. **Reference them** throughout your document with `{{variableName}}`
3. **Override values** per document via CSV upload (bulk) or JSON payload (API)
Any variable not overridden in a bulk job or API call keeps its default value from the panel.
For a full reference on variable syntax — including built-in variables like `{{date}}`, date formatting, and block-level usage — see the [Markup Reference: Variables](/markup-reference/variables).