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Template Troubleshooting

Before you throw your computer, watch this video! Your variables aren't broken, but your template might need a little bit of tender loving care. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.


Video Tutorial​


Common Variable Issues​

1. Variable Naming Rules​

All variables must be one word only - no spaces allowed inside the {brackets}.

✅Correct - One word only
{CustomerName}{ProjectDate}{ScopeSection}

✨ These variable names will work perfectly in your templates

❌Incorrect - Contains spaces
{Customer Name}{Project Date}{Scope Section}

⚠️ Spaces inside brackets will prevent variables from being recognized

Naming Best Practices
  • Use CamelCase for multi-word variables: {CustomerName} instead of {Customer Name}
  • Keep names descriptive but concise: {ProjectStartDate} instead of {Date}
  • Be consistent across your templates: always use the same format

2. Variables Must Be On Their Own Line​

Critical Rule: When inserting sections, images, or rich text, the variable needs to be on its own line. Don't squeeze it into a sentence.

Examples: How to Format Variables Correctly​

❌Incorrect - Variable mixed with other text
Rich Text/Section Variables:
Proposal Section: {ProposalSection}, If you have any questions about the proposal...
Image Variables:
Photo: {HeadshotImage}, Nicolas Fry, CEO

⚠️ This format will prevent variables from working properly

✅Correct - Variable on its own line
Rich Text/Section Variables:

Proposal Section:

{ProposalSection}

If you have any questions about the proposal...

Image Variables:

Photo:

{HeadshotImage}

Nicolas Fry, CEO

✨ This format ensures variables work correctly and content flows properly

Key Takeaway

Notice how in the correct examples, each variable is completely isolated on its own line with blank lines above and below. This separation is crucial for rich text, images, and section variables to function properly.


3. Use Paragraph Markers to Debug​

One of the most common mistakes is thinking a variable is on its own line when it's not. To be sure, turn on the paragraph marker tool:

In Microsoft Word:

  • Click the paragraph icon (¶) to reveal hidden spaces and line breaks
  • It's the fastest way to catch formatting issues before they break your template

In Google Docs:

  • Go to View → Show non-printing characters
  • You'll get the same results as Word

Paragraph marker tool location in Word and Google Docs toolbars

When you activate the tool, it will resemble the image below. Since {CustomerName} is plain text, it can be incorporated into a paragraph. However, we will be utilizing a chart in Rich Text for {Scope}, so it needs to be on its own line. Paragraph symbols will indicate this distinction clearly.

Paragraph markers showing inline text variable vs. section variable on its own line


4. Images Must Be PNG or JPEG​

Your document or presentation can only carry PNG and JPEG images. If you put any other format into a rich text or image variable, TurboDocx leaves a short message in its place:

[Image not supported: SVG — use PNG or JPEG (diagram.svg)]

That message tells you three things: the format that wasn't accepted, what to use instead, and the file name, so you can find it among many images.

Formats that get replaced with the message: SVG, GIF, WebP, BMP, TIFF, HEIC, AVIF and ICO.

The editor will show you the image anyway

The rich text editor previews SVGs, GIFs and WebP files perfectly well, because your browser can display them even though a Word or PowerPoint file can't store them. So an image can look right while you're editing and still be replaced in the finished deliverable.

If you see the "Image not supported" message in a document you just generated, that's why — nothing is broken. Convert the image and generate again.

How to fix it: open the image in any editor and re-save it as PNG or JPEG, then replace it in your variable. For logos and diagrams saved as SVG, exporting at 2× the size you need keeps them looking sharp.


Quick Troubleshooting Steps​

When your variables aren't working, follow these steps in order:

1. Check Variable Naming​

No spaces inside brackets - use {CustomerName} not {Customer Name}

2. Verify Line Placement​

Variables for images, rich text, or sections must be on their own line

3. Use Paragraph Markers​

Turn on ¶ symbols to see hidden formatting issues

4. Check Your Image Formats​

Only PNG and JPEG can go into a deliverable — convert SVG, GIF, WebP, BMP, TIFF, HEIC, AVIF and ICO first

5. For Presentation Templates​

Use invisible rectangle shapes, not text boxes → See presentation setup guide

6. Test Your Template​

Create a simple deliverable to verify everything works → Learn how to create deliverables


Advanced Troubleshooting & Best Practices

If variables still aren't working:

  • Start simple: Test with basic text variables first, then add complex ones
  • Double-check spacing: Use paragraph markers to confirm variables are completely isolated
  • For presentations: Ensure shapes are truly invisible (no fill, no outline)

Best practices for success:

Need More Help?​

Still stuck? We're here to help! Check out our comprehensive guides:

If you need additional help, don't hesitate to reach out to our support team.


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