Instant Database

Create Variables using the IDB

    The Instant Database module typically is used to replace document variables with personal data. However, the IDB screen is a highly versitile tool. It can also be used to create variables. You should consider using IDB to convert an existing, highly personalized (i.e., has lots of real names, addresses, numbers, etc.) document into a form.

    Take a document that you want to Pathagorize. Put brackets around every name, address or other word that you want to make a variable.

    Now, activate the IDB system (press Alt-D). Press the Scan button to read all of your newly created bracketed 'variables' into the left side of the screen. Type at the right side of the screen the actual variable names you want to appear in the final form document. "[John R. Doe]" equals
 "[Client Name]", "[1234 Oak Avenue]" equals "[Client Address]", etc. (The 'Pathagorizing' link at the left offers illustrated instructions on making this work.)

    Press the 'Next>>' button and the personal data will be replaced with the new [variable]. Pretty slick!

    This technique is in addition to the Variable Creation Assistant and other tools provided by the program to help you to 'Pathagorize' your documents. As always, Pathagoras likes to give you lots of choices.