Variables Basics (Making Values Dynamic)

Some values change every time you output — the recipient name or total amount on an invoice, for example. In Report Flow you first define a parameter, then embed it in text, so the value can be filled in at output time.

What you'll learn here

• The difference between a "fixed value" and a "variable (parameter)"
• How to define a parameter from the Parameters button in the top toolbar
• How to embed a defined parameter into a text object

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"Fixed value" vs "variable"

Kind	Example	Does it change per output?
Fixed value	The heading Invoice	Stays the same
Variable (parameter)	The customer's name (e.g. John Doe)	Different each output

Fixed values are typed into text directly. For variables, you first define a "slot" (a parameter) that says "a different value goes here every time", and then you embed it in text.

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Step 1: Define a parameter

Register the values that should change per output as parameters.

1. In the top toolbar, click Parameters.
2. The parameter dialog opens.
3. In the left panel, Add parameter → Text adds a new text-typed parameter.
4. Rename the parameter name to something memorable (e.g. customerName).
5. Set a value — a sample used while editing (e.g. John Doe).
6. Click Update to save.
7. When you're done, close the dialog (Esc or the × in the top-right).

Naming tips

Use case	Recommended name
Customer name	customerName
Invoice date	invoiceDate
Invoice amount	amount
Order number	orderNumber

Stick to ASCII letters and digits. Avoid forgettable names like var1 or aaa.

✅ Did it work?

• When you re-open the parameter dialog, the parameters you defined are listed there

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Step 2: Embed a variable in text

Now embed the parameter you defined into a text object on the canvas.

1. Pick the Text tool and drag a frame on the canvas.
2. The Text edit modal opens.
3. Switch to the Variables / Formula tab at the top.
4. Click customerName in the parameter list — @customerName is inserted into the input.
5. Click Confirm.
6. The text on the canvas shows the sample value you set in Step 1 (e.g. John Doe).

✅ Did it work?

• The text on the canvas shows the Step 1 sample value
• You can repeat the same steps to embed a different parameter into another text object

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A note on formulas (advanced)

To format numbers with thousands separators, or to format dates as April 25, 2026, use formulas. The "Variables / Formula" tab provides functions like comma() and dateFormat() that you can combine with variables.

Detailed formula usage isn't covered in this first edition of the guide; we'll add it in a future update.

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Next step

Once you can embed variables, continue with Save and Output PDF — you'll save the design and generate a PDF, supplying values for the variables along the way.