Typinator lets you create and use variables that make your text expansions smarter and more flexible.
With variables, you can automatically insert dates, phrases, or even clipboard content into your expansions — saving you time and keeping your text consistent.
Defining and using
To define a variable, place its name inside double curly braces.
{{releaseDate}}This marker refers to a variable called releaseDate. When you use an abbreviation that includes this marker, Typinator replaces it with the variable’s current value.
Assigning a value
To give a variable a value, use an equals sign (=) inside the braces.
{{releaseDate=April 25}}Everything after the equals sign — up to the closing braces — is saved as the variable’s value.
Typinator remembers variables even after you quit or restart the app. This means you can set a variable once and use it again in other expansions without reassigning it.
Dynamic variables
You can also assign dynamic values like the current date or time.
{{releaseDate={NN} {D}}}This sets the variable releaseDate to the current month and day (for example, April 25).
Once the variable is set, you can use it anywhere in Typinator. To update the value, simply trigger the expansion that defines it again.
Assigning clipboard content
Typinator can also assign the current clipboard content to a variable using the {clip} marker.
{{specialOffer={clip}}}This stores whatever is currently copied to your clipboard as the value of specialOffer.
You can then insert that value into another expansion using:
{{specialOffer}}Why use variables
Variables make your Typinator expansions:
- Smart – reuse dynamic information like dates or copied text.
- Consistent – keep your text up to date across multiple expansions.
- Efficient – update once, and the change applies everywhere.
Whether you’re writing templates, messages, or notes, variables help you work faster and keep your text accurate.