Using fields with Auto-Text commands

You can add variable fields to the content of an Auto-Text command to hold the place of information that varies from one document to another. Later, when you use this command, you insert a specific value for each field.

Some examples:

  • Form letters that use a field for the name of the person to whom you're writing.
  • Routine notices that use fields to specify important upcoming events or deadlines.
  • Invoices that use fields to specify units and costs.
Procedures

To add variable fields:

  1. Place your cursor where you want to insert a variable field.

  2. Click Insert Field.

    Dragon inserts [default value].

  3. Replace [default value] with one of the following:

    • An actual default value—A standard value for the field that won't vary often. You always can overwrite it in documents where it differs.

      Example:

      To show our appreciation for your business, your total reflects a professional discount of [10%]!

    • A field name—Uses default text like a prompt.

      Example:

      You are scheduled to service the following location today:

      [street number][street name]

      [apartment or suite]

      [city]

    • A blank space—A blank space between the delimiters, if a field could be blank. You can also delete the default text for that field so it doesn't appear in your final document.
  4. Click Save.

To remove delimiters from dictation:

After you've executed custom commands with variable fields in your dictation, you should ensure you remove all delimiters before you save your document. Delimiters may still be visible in fields where you want to keep the default value or where you left a field blank.

To remove delimiters from your final document:

Do one of the following:

  • Say "Accept Defaults"
  • Say "Clear Variable Delimiters"

Dragon removes the delimiters, and leaves the text or space between them.

 

Related procedures Additional information
Creating Auto-Text commands About custom commands
Using fields with Auto-Text commands About variable fields and delimiters
Creating custom commands  
  Auto-Text Commands Editor
Managing your custom commands dialog box MyCommands Editor—Step-by-Step dialog box
Working with custom commands MyCommands Editor—Advanced Scripting dialog box