7 iPhone keyboard variables that do more than autofill text
Most people who save a template on WordBoard stop at fixed text: the same message, every time. But WordBoard templates support variables that change based on when, where, and how you insert them. Here is what each one actually does and when to use it.
Quick answer
WordBoard supports seven template variables: a date variable, a time offset variable, a clipboard variable, a cursor placement variable, a randomize variable, a choose variable, and a selected-text wrap variable. Add any of them inside a saved key and WordBoard fills in the dynamic part automatically when you tap the key, or, with choose, asks you which option to use.
{{ DATE }}: insert today's date in any format
The date variable inserts the current date, formatted however you choose, every time you tap the key. Instead of typing today's date by hand in a note, invoice line, or "as of" disclaimer, the key fills it in for you.
The format is fully customizable using standard date pattern tokens, for example {{ date:"EEEE, MMM d, yyyy" }} for a full day name with abbreviated month, or {{ date:"yyyy-MM-dd" }} for a plain numeric date. Mix and match tokens to match how you write dates. For a step-by-step setup and a format cheat sheet, see how to insert today's date on iPhone. The date can also be written in a different language from your phone: see how to insert a date in another language on iPhone.
{{ TIME }}: insert the current time, including yesterday or tomorrow
Time works the same way as the date variable, and both support a time offset so you are not limited to right now. Add an hour offset to reference a different point in time automatically, for example a key that always says tomorrow's date for scheduling messages, or a key that stamps a reply with "as of" a few hours ago.
A positive offset moves forward, a negative offset moves back, for example {{ datehouroffset:"EEEE, MMM d, yyyy", 24 }} to always show tomorrow's date. This is useful for templates like appointment reminders ("your appointment is tomorrow at...") that should always be one day ahead of whenever you actually send them. Half hours work too, for example 5.5 or -10.5, which helps with half-hour time zones like India.
{{ CLIPBOARD }}: auto-paste whatever you just copied
The clipboard variable inserts whatever text is currently on your clipboard at the moment you tap the key. Copy an order number, a link, or an address elsewhere, then tap a saved key to drop it straight into a template instead of pasting it manually and retyping the text around it.
See the copy & paste keyboard for iPhone page for more on this one specifically.
{{ CURSOR }}: control where typing resumes after you insert a template
By default, your cursor lands at the end of a template once it is inserted. The cursor variable lets you choose exactly where it lands instead, which matters for templates that have a blank to fill in partway through.
For example, a template like "Hi, thanks for reaching out about {{ cursor }}. I will follow up by end of day." inserts the full message and drops your cursor right after "about", ready for you to type the specific detail without touching the screen to reposition it.
{{ RANDOMIZE }}: insert a different variation each time
The randomize variable picks one option at random from a list you define, separated by a pipe character, and inserts a different one each time you tap the key. A greeting key like {{ randomize:"Hey there|Hi|Hello" }} opens each message with some natural variety instead of the exact same word every time.
This is useful for outbound messages, sales replies, and social captions where sending the identical opening line to every contact can feel repetitive or come across as an obvious template.
{{ CHOOSE }}: pick the right option each time you tap
The choose variable looks like randomize, but instead of picking for you, it asks. When you tap the key, a small menu appears next to it with your options. Pick one and WordBoard types the whole message with your choice in it.
For example, Running about {{ choose:"5|10|15" }} minutes late, see you {{ choose:"soon|at the cafe|at the office" }}. asks two quick questions, then types "Running about 10 minutes late, see you at the cafe." One key replaces a folder of near-identical versions.
A key can hold several lists, asked one after another. If the same list appears twice, you only pick once and both places get your answer. Leave an empty option, like {{ choose:"Hi Sam|Hi team|" }}, for a blank choice. Choose also works inside AI Keys, so a rewrite prompt can ask whether you want it shorter, friendlier, or more formal. More examples are in the WordBoard 11.1 post.
{{ SELECTED }}: wrap text you have already highlighted
The selected variable wraps whatever text you already have highlighted in the app you are using, rather than inserting new text. This is useful for applying consistent formatting or markup around text you select first: highlight a word or phrase, then tap a key to wrap it in the characters or tags you use often.
Combining variables in one template
Variables are not limited to one per key. A single template can combine several, for example a support reply that includes today's date, pastes in a copied order number from the clipboard, asks which product the customer means, and leaves the cursor in the right place for you to add a personal note before sending.
See iPhone keyboard with templates for how to set up your first template key, then layer in variables as you find uses for them.
FAQ
- What variables does WordBoard support? Date, time (with an hour offset for past or future), clipboard, cursor placement, randomize, choose, and wrapping selected text.
- Can I customize the date format? Yes. The date variable accepts standard date pattern tokens, so you can format it as a full written date, a short numeric date, or anything in between.
- Can a template show tomorrow's date instead of today's? Yes, using the time offset variable with a positive number of hours. A negative number references a past date instead.
- Does WordBoard have a fill-in-the-blank template feature? Yes. The cursor variable lets you choose where your cursor lands after a template is inserted, so you can leave a gap partway through to fill in manually.
- Can WordBoard insert different wording each time so messages don't look identical? Yes, using the randomize variable, which picks a random option from a list you define each time the key is tapped.
- Can a key ask me which option to insert? Yes, using the choose variable. When you tap the key, WordBoard shows your options in a small menu and types the message with the one you pick.