How To Topic

Creating a HotDocs Variable Dictionary

You can create a HotDocs variable dictionary to assist you in choosing names for your variables in the Field Editor. You can make your dictionary variables available in the Field Editor by associating your HotDocs variable dictionary with your workspace.

To Create a HotDocs Variable Dictionary

Headings and values must be highlighted in double quotes and separated by commas.

1. Open your text editor, for example Notepad.
2. Type in the following headings:
   "Name", "Type", "Notes"
3. Type in your dictionary variables on separate lines under the headings, an example is provided below.
4. Select File and Click Save As.
5. In the Save As window, select the workspace folder you want to save your file to.
6. In the File Name field, type in variabledictionary.hvd
7. In the Save as Type field, select All Files.
8. Click Save.

Author adds the variable dictionary to templates in your workspace.

If you add or make changes to a variable dictionary whilst your template is open for editing, those changes will not take effect in the Field Editor until you have closed and reopened your template.

If you want to find the location of your workspace folder, you can do so by opening your workspace in Author and clicking Options, then Workspaces.

Example HotDocs Variable Dictionary

You can copy and paste this example into your text editor to get you started.

"Name", "Type", "Notes"
"ClientName", "Text", "Name of client"
"ClientID", "Number", "Identification number of client"
"SigningDate", "Date", "Date of signing"
"IsClientCorporation", "True/False", "Is the client a corporation"