> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://filla.io/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Variable text and @ references

> Use dynamic references to insert field values into labels, descriptions, emails, URLs, and more.

## What variable text is

Variable text lets you reference the value of one field inside another setting. When the form renders, the reference is replaced with the actual value the respondent entered (or the record's current value in edit mode).

For example, a field label set to `Hello @{Name}, please confirm your details` displays as "Hello Jane, please confirm your details" after the respondent fills in the Name field.

## How to insert a variable reference

Type `@` in any setting that supports variable text. A variable picker appears showing all available Airtable fields from your table. Select a field to insert a reference to its value.

In rich text editors (such as field descriptions and document templates), type `@` inline to open the picker. In shorter text inputs, click the input to open a dedicated editing dialog where you can type `@` to insert variables.

You can reference fields from any page in the form, including fields on earlier pages that the respondent has already filled in.

## Where variable text works

Variable text is supported in these settings:

| Context                    | Examples                                       |
| -------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| **Field labels**           | `Order for @{Company Name}`                    |
| **Field descriptions**     | `Your current email is @{Email}`               |
| **Placeholder text**       | `e.g., @{First Name}'s project`                |
| **Default values**         | Pre-fill a field based on a previous answer    |
| **Text block content**     | Rich text widgets with personalized messages   |
| **Submit button label**    | `Submit for @{Company Name}`                   |
| **Button labels**          | `Download @{Name}'s report`                    |
| **Redirect URLs**          | `https://example.com/confirm?id=@{Record ID}`  |
| **Email subject and body** | Confirmation emails and admin notifications    |
| **PDF filenames**          | `@{Name}-application-@{Date}.pdf`              |
| **Webhook body fields**    | Dynamic payloads sent to external services     |
| **Update field values**    | Set a field value using other field references |

## Dynamic behavior

Variable text updates in real time as the respondent fills out the form. If a referenced field's value changes, any label, description, or text block using that reference updates immediately.

On the thank you page, variable text shows the final submitted values.

## Tips for using variable text

<Tip>
  When using variable text in redirect URLs, make sure the referenced values are URL-safe. Spaces and special characters in field values may need to be handled by the receiving service.
</Tip>

* Reference fields from earlier pages to create a conversational flow across a multi-page form.
* Use variable text in confirmation emails to personalize the message with the respondent's own answers.
* Combine variable text with conditional visibility to create highly dynamic form experiences.

## Related pages

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Labels and descriptions" icon="tag" href="/docs/field-settings/labels-and-descriptions">
    Configure field labels with variable references.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Thank you pages" icon="circle-check" href="/docs/forms/thank-you-pages">
    Use variable text on the confirmation page.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Confirmation emails" icon="envelope" href="/docs/automations/confirmation-emails">
    Personalize post-submission emails with variables.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Prefilling fields via URL" icon="link" href="/docs/sharing/prefilling-fields-via-url">
    Pre-populate fields using URL parameters.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>