Inserting a variable from a library topic

Any variable defined in a library topic can be used inside a text fragment in topics and other library topics.

(This procedure is based on the Tridion Docs database repository and Oxygen XML editor. Other tools have similar functionality.)

On this page

• Prerequisites
• Context
• Procedure

Prerequisites

You have all the tools available, and the necessary rights to develop new content.

You must know the correct name of the variable. Note that this name is case sensitive.

Context

Procedure

1. Check out the topic or library topic in which you want to insert the variable.
2. Place the cursor in the requested position in the text.
3. To fetch the variable from the library topic in which it was defined:
   1. From the editor's main menu, select Tridion Docs ➜ Insert variable.

   2. Locate and double-click the library topic that contains the requested variable definition.

      You can insert the variable from any library topic, since the value you have defined for your publication is inserted when the document is published.

   3. Click on the requested variable, and then click OK.

      

   4. Click Insert.

4. To copy the variable from another topic or library topic:
   1. Open the topic or library topic from which you can copy the <keyword> element.

   2. Copy the <keyword> element and paste it into your own text.

      The value (content) of the variable is not significant. The correct value will be automatically inserted when the document is published.

5. To insert the variable manually:
   1. Create a <keyword> element.

   2. Change the varref attribute to contain the correct variable name.

      You must use the correct name. Note that this name is case sensitive.

Tip Consider building a modular system with variable definitions. This allows reuse of definitions and values, and provides a high degree of consistency. These pages only explain how variables are used in DITA publishing. If you want additional explanations about the principle of variables, see under Methodology and especially Using variables in the text.