Skip to main content
Variables in Author Online

Single select Variable

A single select option allows the author to select only one value from a list of predefined options, storing that single selection as the variable's value.
Let's say we have a field named "
TenantCountryOfIncorporation
", and we have listed values under which the tenant can choose the country they originated from:
  • Question
    : Specifies the question text that is displayed on the questionnaire shown to end users.
  • Guidance
    : Specifies the guidance text displayed on the questionnaire, which supports rich text formatting through the controls provided above the text box.
    note
    If you want to make a specific question compulsory for the user, tick the
    Answer required
     box. Required questions display a red asterisk and prevent submission until the question is answered.
  • Selection choices
    : These are based on a group of sub-attributes that collectively determine which option(s) appear on the questionnaire:
    • Static / Editable list items
       - Static options are entered into the text boxes, where they can be reordered, deleted, or set as the default.
    • Generate dynamically
       – This option displays an expression window to collect choices from existing variables or define an expression from an external table or an internal lookup table configured in Contract Express and provides an input text field that supports active text instead of pre-defined selection choices.
    • Unknown
       - When this option is selected, an option appears in the questionnaire for the user to indicate that the selection is unknown. This prevents the text field from being pre-filled with a default value. You can also customise the label to replace the default text with your preferred wording (e.g., Not Specified or N/A).
    • Other
       - When this option is enabled, the questionnaire displays an extra option allowing users to enter choices not listed. This option is labelled "Other" (for English UK/USA), and the label can be customised via the edit box.

Advanced settings

This section is divided into three different categories. On the Questionnaire, lists questions and input fields shown to end users in Author Online to collect structured feedback or data, which may vary by content type. In the document, outlines the values that will be included in the final document generated after the questionnaire is completed and the template is assembled. Repeated groups help authors organise content that could be repeated.

On the Questionnaire

Display Options

It determines how values are presented and collected in the questionnaire. For single select, the available options are:
Input Type
Description
Options Presented
Radio Buttons
The user is shown a set of radio buttons, where only one button can be selected at a time.
Dropdown list
The user is presented with a drop-down list from which only one option can be chosen.

Default Value

Default values are pre-filled entries that appear in questionnaire fields when accessed for the first time. You can later type these values manually in the edit boxes or derive them using expressions in the questionnaires. If a variable remains unanswered, because the user removed the default or skipped the relevant questionnaire page, the default value will not appear in the final document. This ensures only confirmed user inputs are included.
For a single-select variable type, you can set a single default value from the predefined options in the list by choosing
Set as default
 from the more options menu in the individual selection boxes. For details, see Set Default Selections for Text Variables.

In the Document

Default case

The default case specifies the casing of variable values in a generated document when no local case is defined. The available options are:
Format Option
Description
Capitalize Each Word (capitals)
The first letter of all words will appear capitalised in the generated document.
Uppercase (upper)
All letters will appear in uppercase in the generated document.
Lowercase (lower)
All letters will appear in lowercase in the generated document.
As entered
All letters will appear as they are entered on the questionnaire in the generated document.
Title case (proper)
The first letter of all major words will be capitalised in the generated document.
First letter capitalize (firstletter)
The first letter of each word will be capitalised in the generated document.
If no default case is selected, the value will be generated as entered in the questionnaire, by default.
For detailed instructions, see Field format and case overview.
Prevent line breaks
When the option is checked, the information appears on a single line, separated by commas (if multiple), instead of being displayed as a list.

This article applies to:

  • Product: Contract Express

Related Content