{"id":97197,"date":"2023-07-25T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-25T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.online-tech-tips.com\/?p=97197"},"modified":"2024-05-31T01:32:10","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T05:32:10","slug":"how-to-insert-variable-smart-chips-placeholders-in-google-docs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.online-tech-tips.com\/how-to-insert-variable-smart-chips-placeholders-in-google-docs\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Insert Variable Smart Chips (Placeholders) in Google Docs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve ever created a document where you used text placeholders, you\u2019ll appreciate this Google Docs feature. Using a Variable Smart Chip, you can insert a placeholder, assign its value, and automatically update it throughout the document.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of hassling with add-ons or third-party apps, you can improve your workflow when creating various types of documents with the Variable Smart Chip functionality<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note<\/span>: As of this writing, the Variable Smart Chip is available to Google Workspace Business Standard and Plus, Enterprise Standard and Plus, Education Plus, and Nonprofit customers. Hopefully, Google will bring the feature to personal Google accounts at some point.\n<\/p>\n\n\n

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About Variable Smart Chips\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, the Variable Smart Chip is a text placeholder that you can insert in your document. This is ideal for text you want someone else to add like first or last name, address, or phone number. You can also use Variables for things you need to add but are waiting for like a product title, date, or website address.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you use Variables for yourself or another you\u2019re sharing with, they allow you to create your document and add those items later.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you add a Variable, you can assign its value, the text, at any time. Then, every spot you use the Variable in the document updates with that value.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s look at how to insert and use Variables in Google Docs with a couple of examples.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Insert a Variable Smart Chip\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To add a Variable Smart Chip to your document, follow these simple steps.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Place your cursor where you want it and then do one of the following:\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Select Insert<\/span> > Smart chips<\/span> and choose Variables<\/span> in the pop-out menu.\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Type the @<\/span> (At) symbol and choose Variable<\/span> from the drop-down menu.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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    1. In the small window that appears, select Insert new variable<\/span>.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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      1. Give your Variable a name in the subsequent pop-up window. You can also use the default naming convention, Variable 1, Variable 2, and so on. Select Create<\/span>.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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        1. You\u2019ll then see the Variable with its name in your document and in the Variables sidebar that opens on the right.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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          \"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

          You can add more Variables for other items to your document the same way. Just keep in mind that the additional Variables should be used for different items. For example, you can create one Variable for name and a second Variable for address.\n<\/p>\n\n\n

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          Reuse a Variable Smart Chip\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          The purpose of the Variable is to place it in your document where you need it and then update it with its value when you\u2019re ready. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          To insert the same Variable in another location, do one of the following:\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n