# Text Macros and Variable Text

## Text Macros & Variable Text

Dynamic text fields (macros) can be placed inside the object frame and reference GeoDin parameters — e.g., `location_name` macro pulls the current borehole name dynamically.

Macros use `$parameter$` syntax (begin and end with `$`).

Macros can reference parameters from any table — general data, sample table, measurement tables, data sequences.

Macros can concatenate multiple parameters into one string, e.g., build a dynamic caption like "Sample \[sample\_reference] penetration from X to Y meters".

Brackets in text macros `[, ]` (comma-space inside brackets) are conditional separators: the bracketed separator is only rendered if the macro inside has a value, avoiding stray commas.

Text macro Build button opens the macro editor and supports calculated parameters (e.g., layer thickness).

Text macro options: show depth, show layer data, orientation.

Text macro "coding/norm/user" options: for G1 these are mostly equivalent; "user" allows custom plain text combined with macros.

**Variable Text element**: used for dynamic header/footer text; Build button > select macros (General parameters, Samples, Layer data, etc.).

Common macros in Variable Text: long name (full location name), project name, driller, borehole, EPSG code, X coordinate, Y coordinate.

Macro search bar in the Build dialog speeds up finding specific macros.

Translation support in text macros: a layout can hold multiple translations; the user switches file language in the File menu to print the same template in different languages (e.g., German and English).

Static text fields can be placed anywhere on a template (fixed label text).

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## Reference: Fill Color and Transparency

### Color / Transparency

Controls the fill color and transparency for fill patterns used in layout elements:

* **Default color** — The background color for a fill pattern is taken from the fill pattern table by default.
* **User defined** — Select this option to override the default and choose a custom color for the area fill.
* **Transparent fill** — Allows overlaying filled areas with a transparent fill pattern so underlying elements remain visible. Note: not all print output devices support transparency.
* **Line thickness** — Adjustable only for vector fill patterns; affects print output only. Changing this setting has no visible effect on the screen.


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