Introduction
In BoloSign, variables help you automate document creation by dynamically inserting information into your contracts and templates.
Using variables correctly can:
Reduce manual data entry
Minimize errors
Speed up document sending
Improve consistency across agreements
BoloSign provides two types of variables:
Normal Variables
Contact Variables
Although they may look similar inside a document, they work differently during setup and before sending.
This article explains:
Where to add each variable
The key difference when adding them
How each one works
What changes on the signer’s end
Where to Add Variables in BoloSign?
You can add both Normal and Contact Variables inside the BoloSign Template Editor.
Navigate to Documents- PDF Template
Navigate to the Variables section in the sidebar
Click Add Variable
Choose the variable type
What is a Normal Variable?
A Normal Variable is a placeholder that you manually fill in before sending the document.
How It Works
You create the variable (e.g., Deal_amount, Deal_closedate)
Before sending, BoloSign prompts you to enter a value
The system replaces the placeholder with the value you type
Key Difference When Adding
You define the variable name yourself
The value is NOT linked to any saved contact
It must be filled manually each time
Best Used For
Pricing
Project scope
Contract duration
Custom clauses
Deal-specific terms
What is a Contact Variable?
What is a Contact Variable?
A Contact Variable pulls information from the recipient’s saved contact details.
Unlike Normal Variables, Contact Variables remain editable on the signing screen.
How It Works
You select a predefined contact field (Name, Email, Company, Phone, etc.)
When adding a recipient, BoloSign auto-fills the value
The value appears on the document
On the signing screen:
The field remains editable
The signer can modify it if needed
If left empty by the sender, the signer can fill it
Key Difference
You do NOT create a custom value
The data is linked to the selected recipient
It auto-populates from stored contact information
It is editable on the signer’s end
If left blank, the signer can complete it
Best Used For
Client name
Company name
Email address
Phone number
Address
Contact Variables behave like editable fields for recipient information.
Clear Comparison
Normal Variable
Filled by sender before sending
Fixed text
Not editable by signer
If empty → nothing shows
Contact Variable
Auto-filled from contact details
Editable on signing screen
If empty → signer can fill it
What Changes on the Signer’s End?
What Changes on the Signer’s End?
The difference between Normal Variables and Contact Variables becomes clearer on the signing screen.
With a Normal Variable
The sender manually enters the value before sending.
The placeholder is replaced with fixed text.
The signer sees it as normal text in the document.
The signer cannot edit or change it.
If the sender leaves it empty, nothing appears in that section.
If entered incorrectly, the document must be edited and resent.
The value is completely controlled by the sender.
With a Contact Variable
The value is automatically pulled from the recipient’s saved contact details.
On the signing screen, it appears as an editable field.
The signer can modify the information if needed.
If left empty, the signer can fill it themselves.
Contact Variables behave like editable recipient fields.
Important
The signer does not see a “variable” label.
A Normal Variable appears as fixed text.
A Contact Variable appears as an editable field.
The key difference is control:
Normal Variable → Controlled by the sender.
Contact Variable → Editable by the signer.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct variable type in BoloSign directly impacts your document accuracy, control, and efficiency.
Use Normal Variables when you want the value to be fixed and fully controlled by the sender before sending. These are ideal for deal-specific details that should not be edited by the signer.
Use Contact Variables when you want recipient information to auto-populate and remain editable on the signing screen. These are best for client details that may need verification or updates by the signer.
By clearly understanding how each variable behaves during setup and on the signer’s end you can create smarter templates, reduce manual errors, and streamline your eSignature workflows with BoloSign.