Getting to Know Builder Variable Types

In this article:

• Understanding Builder Variable Types 
• Text Variables 
• Number Variables 
• Date Variables 
• True/False Variables 
• Selection Variables 
• Object Variables 
• File Variables 

Variables are the basic component of any Builder system. They are used to merge custom data in the documents you are creating for your clients and matters.   

When you associate catalogs in Builder with matter types in Actionstep, merge fields, data collections, and custom data fields from Actionstep are available to use as variables in your template. If you need to create additional variables to use in your template, you can either first create them in Actionstep and the sync them with Builder, or you can create new variables in Builder. Be aware, however, that with this second option, client or matter-specific data associated with these variables will not be pulled from or saved to Actionstep. 

See Understanding How Actionstep Data is Used in Builder to learn more about using Actionstep-based variables with Builder. 

Understanding Builder Variable Types 

In your Builder templates, variables are used to ask the questions and fill in the correct information within the completed document. Builder supports seven types of variables: 

• Text 
• Number  
• Date  
• True/False  
• Selection  
• Object  
• File 

All Builder variable types (including those created from Actionstep) include the following settings, which you can provide: 

• Question Prompt: Use this field to enter the text that will be displayed for this field in the intake/app. Otherwise, the Variable Name will be used.  
• Relevance: Use this field to determine whether the variable is visible in the interview. To learn more, click here. 
• Question Help: Use this field to provide additional assistance for answering the associated field. This text will appear in addition to the Question Prompt.  

Text Variables 

You can use a text variable to insert any kind of text in your completed document. This includes letters, numbers, and special characters.  

To learn about the different text variable options, click here.   

Number Variables 

Use number variables for numeric information you want to use mathematically, such as fees, quantities, asset values, and loan amounts. 

To learn about the different number variable options, click here.   

Date Variables 

Date variables allow you to insert full dates (month, day, and year) in your documents. You can format the date how you need it in your template whether it be numerical or spelled out. You can also choose to use just part of the date in your template. 

To learn about the different date variable options, click here.  

True/False Variables 

True/False variables are used to determine what information gets included in a generated document. Usually, True/False variables aren’t inserted directly in a template. Instead, they are used as part of an “if statement”. (See Using If and List Instructions for more information.) 

To learn about the different true/false variable options, click here.  

Selection Variables 

Selection variables let you provide lists of options for users to choose from. They can select one or multiple options, depending on how you set up the variable.

To learn about the different selection variable options, click here.  

Object Variables 

Object variables are based on object models, which are used to group variables that are likely to be used again and again in multiple templates (e.g., first and last names, addresses, phone numbers.)  

To learn more about object models:

• Understanding and Using Object Models and Object Variables in Builder
• Object Models and Dynamic Lists

File Variables 

File variables are used to group relevant documents within one App Record. They can also be used to allow your clients to provide you with copies of important documents that you might need to review, confirm, or attach as exhibits. 

To learn more about file variables, click here.