Snippet Variables

Pro Feature

This feature requires TalkWriter Pro or Enterprise. Upgrade

Snippet Variables make your text snippets dynamic. Instead of expanding to the same static text every time, a snippet can insert today's date, your clipboard contents, or position your cursor exactly where you want it.

Variables Reference Table

Variable	What It Inserts	Example Output
{date}	Today's date in full format	March 27, 2026
{date:short}	Short date format	03/27/2026
{date:iso}	ISO 8601 format	2026-03-27
{time}	Current time	2:45 PM
{time:24}	24-hour time	14:45
{clipboard}	Whatever you last copied	(contents of your clipboard)
{cursor}	Places your cursor here after expansion	(no visible text)

Example 1: Daily Note Header

Trigger: /today Expansion:

## Notes for {date}

{cursor}

Result: Expands to a markdown header with today's date and places your cursor right below, ready to type.

Example 2: Email Timestamp

Trigger: /sent Expansion:

Sent on {date} at {time}

Result: Sent on March 27, 2026 at 2:45 PM

Example 3: Quick Paste Reply

Trigger: /wrap Expansion:

Re: {clipboard}

Thank you for your message regarding the above. {cursor}

Best regards,
Jane Smith

Workflow: Copy the subject line, type /wrap, and the subject is inserted automatically. Your cursor lands right where you need to start writing.

Example 4: Timestamped TODO

Trigger: /todo Expansion:

// TODO: {cursor} — Added {date:short}

Result: A timestamped code comment with your cursor positioned to type the task description.

Creating a Snippet with Variables

1. Open Settings > Snippets
2. Click + New Snippet
3. Enter your trigger (e.g., /today)
4. In the expansion field, type your text and insert variables using curly braces
5. Click Save

tip

You can combine multiple variables in a single snippet. Use {cursor} once to control where your cursor lands after the expansion. If you include multiple {cursor} variables, TalkWriter uses the first one.

warning

Variable names are case-sensitive. Use {date}, not {Date} or {DATE}. Unrecognized variables are left as plain text.

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FAQ

Can I use more than one variable in a snippet? Yes. Mix and match as many as you need in a single expansion.

What if my clipboard is empty when I use {clipboard}? The variable expands to an empty string. No error is shown.

Do variables work during voice dictation? Yes. If you dictate a snippet trigger, the expansion includes resolved variables just as it would with typed triggers.

Can I create my own custom variables? Not currently. Custom format strings are on the roadmap for a future update.