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FAQs and Common Issues with Variables

This guide addresses frequently asked questions and common problems users encounter when working with variables in Authorium. Use this article to quickly identify issues, understand variable behavior, and apply best practices.

Why isn’t my variable showing up in the document or form?​

  • There may be a typo in the variable name. Variable names are case-sensitive and must match exactly.
  • The variable might not be defined at any level (template or project).
  • If you're using variables in forms, the field must be correctly mapped to the variable.
  • Conditional visibility settings in the template or document might be hiding the field linked to the variable.

Only certain field types can be mapped to variables in forms (e.g., text, number, date, dropdown). Ensure the field type matches the data type of the variable.

Why is the variable showing the wrong value?​

  • The data entered might be incorrect or outdated.
  • A variable value may have been overridden at the project level, which takes precedence over template values.
  • There could be a mismatch between the variable's expected data type and the field or input used.

How do I know where a variable gets its value from?​

Variables can be defined at two levels:

  • Template variables: Defined within a project template and used when creating new projects from that template.
  • Project-level variables: Override template values and apply only to the current project.

To trace the source, review the variable configuration in the Variables section of the project and check if it’s defined at the template or project level.

Can I use variables in business rules?​

Yes. Variables can be used to define dynamic values in business rules, such as:

  • Automatically setting deadlines based on a date variable
  • Conditional routing based on the value of a dropdown variable
  • Displaying different content in documents based on project-specific variables
    Ensure the variable is accessible at the time the rule is triggered and that its value has been defined.

What happens if a variable is deleted?​

If a variable is deleted:

  • Any field or content mapped to it will appear blank or display a placeholder.
  • Business rules or document conditions referencing the variable may fail or behave unexpectedly.
  • The variable will no longer be available in the project’s Variables section, and previously entered values may be lost.
    To avoid issues, review where the variable is used before deletion, especially in templates or published documents.