When configuring variables in Template Studio, you will encounter three important fields: Label, Default value, and Placeholder. Each serves a different purpose and affects how users interact with a template. Understanding the difference helps you set up clean, user friendly templates.
Label
The Label is the name shown to users for a variable.
It acts as the field’s title or identifier.
This is the name copied from your InDesign file when you upload a template.
The Label tells users what information they should enter.
This field is always required.
Labels do not appear in the generated output. They only appear in the editor interface.
Default value
The Default value is the text that appears pre filled inside the variable when a user opens the template.
Users can keep or change this text.
The Default value is included in the preview and the final output unless the user edits or removes it.
The Default value is copied from your InDesign file.
Use default values when you want to provide ready made text or a starting point for the user.
Placeholder
The Placeholder helps guide users by showing example text inside an empty field.
It only appears when the field is empty.
It is never included in the preview or the final output.
If a Default value is present, the Placeholder appears only after the user deletes the Default value.
Use a Placeholder to show instructions or examples, such as “Enter phone number” or “Type your slogan”.
Summary
Element | Shown to user? | Appears in preview/output? | When it appears |
Label | Yes | No | Always visible as field title |
Default value | Yes | Yes | Pre filled unless removed by user |
Placeholder | Yes | No | Only when field is empty |