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Template Variables

Template Variables Overview

An introduction to making your snippets dynamic using variables.

Template variables are what transform Snipset from a simple text expander into a powerful automation tool. By embedding special codes inside your snippet content, you can dynamically insert data, trigger actions, or fetch information exactly at the moment the snippet expands.

What Are Template Variables?

When a snippet expands, Snipset scans the content for variables and replaces each one with its real value at that exact moment.

Snippet Content: `Dear #{clipboard},`

If your clipboard contains "John": Dear John,

The #{ } Syntax Rule

Every variable in Snipset must follow a strict formatting rule:

  • It must start with a hash # followed immediately by an opening curly brace {.
  • It must end with a closing curly brace }.
  • Variables that take arguments use a colon : to separate the name from the argument (e.g., #{date:yyyy-MM-dd}).
  • Variables are case-sensitive: #{date} is correct. #{Date} will not work.
Common Mistake: Do NOT use `${...}` or `{{...}}`. These are used in other programming languages, but Snipset specifically requires `#{...}`.

Variable Categories

Variables are grouped by function. Click on a category to see its detailed documentation:

Category What it does
Date & Time Insert the current date or time with custom formatting and offset math.
Text & Clipboard Paste clipboard contents, capture selected text, and precisely position the cursor.
Scripting Run Rhai scripts for programmatic automation.
Interactive Pick random values, prompt for input, or generate passwords.
Input & Prompt #{input:Label} / #{input:Label|Default} — prompt for a value at expansion time (see Interactive).
AI #{ai:Prompt} — send prompt to Ollama and insert response (requires Ollama).
Snippet #{snippet:keyword} — nest another snippet (max depth 5).
Password #{password} / #{password:16} — generate a password (8–128 chars, Vault generator).
Inspect #{inspect:URL} / #{inspect:URL|Selector} — fetch/inspect web content (browser selector).
Browser #{browser_url} — current browser URL (when available).
All variables at a glance: #{clipboard}, #{selection}, #{cursor}, #{date}/#{time}/#{dateTime}/#{datetime_adv}, #{random:A|B|C}, #{input:Label}, #{ai:Prompt}, #{snippet:keyword}, #{script:code}, #{inspect:URL|Selector}, #{password[:len]}, #{browser_url}.

Combining Variables

You can mix and match variables freely within a single snippet.

Snippet: ` [#{date:dd/MM/yyyy}] Re: #{clipboard}#{cursor} `

On Expansion: [22/04/2026] Re: Project Alpha proposal| (cursor is placed at the end)

Variable Evaluation Order

Variables are evaluated left to right, top to bottom.