cannot insert/edit indesign variable

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
September 25, 2018
2 replies
1469 views

I have edited a document created by someone who has left the company in indesign and I cannot change the output date variable and replace it with a print number (text). I have followed all the tutorials, however inserting a new variable is not an option. I have edited the existing variables - deleted all but the two I want to use and the output date is still appearing. HELP

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Correct answer Jongware

You cannot insert a variable because, as your second screenshot shows, you are not in a text frame.

Variables are inserted as text, just like special characters such as Page Numbers and footnotes.

barbara_a7746676

Community Expert

Not sure I'm understanding the question. If you are trying to convert a variable to regular text, you can select the variable with the Type tool, and under the Type menu choose Text Variables > Convert Variable to Text.

hammer0909

Community Expert

OK, so text variables are a two-step process. First define the variable, then insert the variable where you want it to appear. If you've edited the variable, then you should see that change in the document. Is the variable on a Master Page? Have you updated it or changed it there? Is it possible that they have the variable on a separate layer? A screen shot or two might help. One of the Define Variables window and one of where the variable is appearing in the document. Turn off preview mode please.