About variables


    To create a template for data-driven graphics, you need to define which objects on the artboard are dynamic (changeable). You use variables to define the attributes of dynamic objects.

    You can create four types of variables in Illustrator: Graph Data, Linked File, Text String, and Visibility. A variable's type indicates which object attributes are changeable. For example, you can use a Visibility variable to show or hide any object in your template. You can apply variables to the following types of objects:

    • Use the Text String variable to make text dynamic.
    • Use the Linked File variable to make a linked image dynamic.
    • Use the Graph Data variable to make graph data dynamic.
    • Use the Visibility variable to make an object's visibility dynamic. You can also make the visibility of groups and layers dynamic.
    Illustration of Two versions of a Web page based on the same template with these callouts: A. Graph Data variable B. Linked File variable C. Text String variable D. Visibility variable
    Two versions of a Web page based on the same template A. Graph Data variable B. Linked File variable C. Text String variable D. Visibility variable