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How to use variables with the Outbound email node

Alex Pribula
Alex Pribula
  • Updated

Variables let you decouple conditional or template logic from your email design—without writing script or jumping into the builder.

Define variables like links, button text, or conditional content in outbound email nodes. Manage dynamic logic through a no-code interface, and reference variables anywhere in your email—whether you’re using the drag-and-drop builder or working in HTML mode.

Use variables to keep email templates clean and reusable. Move logic—like button labels, legal copy, or asset selection—into variables so you can manage changes without editing the template.

Variable types

The Variables tab in each outbound email node lets you define and manage variables with three behaviour types:

  • Set value: Create a variable with a fixed or merged value—e.g. static links, default CTAs, or content built from merge fields.
  • True or false: Outputs a value based on conditions. Build conditional logic using field presence, value checks, or and/or rules. Use for toggling disclaimers, greetings, or switching between content versions.
  • Lookup: Map field values (like region, campaign, or customer type) to different outputs. Ideal for dynamic branding, regional content, or segmented legal footers.

Example variables

  • BrandAsset: Uses the correct logo or brand image for each recipient.
  • ActionButtonText: Changes the main CTA between “Buy now”, “Register”, or “Learn more”.
  • LegalFooter: Shows region or campaign-specific legal copy.
  • PersonalisedLink: Builds a unique URL for each recipient, such as tracking or profile links.

Set value

Use Set value for static text, fixed links, or simple merge field output. This is the quickest way to declare a reusable piece of text or a URL that might need to change between campaigns.

True or false (Conditional logic)

Use True or false when you want a variable’s output to change depending on conditions—like recipient data, presence of a field, or grouped logic. The logic builder supports simple or complex rules with and/or grouping.

Typical uses: personalising greetings, toggling a disclaimer, or defaulting to fallback content if a field is missing.

By clicking 'Configure', you can map the outputs of a true or false variable to specific values.

Lookup

Use Lookup to map specific field values to outputs. For example, display a different logo, legal footer, or CTA depending on the recipient’s region, customer segment, or campaign type.

Using variables in your email design

Once created, your variables are available throughout the email builder and HTML code view. Click the Merge fields button to insert variables (they appear in purple, at the top of the list).

Variables can be used anywhere you’d use a merge field. For example: {{var.BrandAsset}} or {{var.Salutation}}.

When browsing variables, the example field displays all possible output values based on your variable logic. This helps you understand how your email might appear to different recipients.

Merge field helpers

For more advanced logic, you can use our merge field helpers—tools that extend what you can do with merge fields inside your email templates. Helpers let you apply conditional logic, display or hide content, and even iterate over lists of data.

For example, {{#if}} and {{else}} let you control whether content is shown depending on a boolean field's (or variable's) value. {{#each}} is used for looping through arrays, so you can easily list out items such as product names or recipients if they are in an array. Helpers also support special context variables like @index and @last, so you can format lists cleanly—for instance, omitting the final comma in a series.

These helpers are especially useful when you need to introduce complex branching, or work with lists and arrays, beyond the no-code variables interface. They’re currently only supported in channel-based nodes, such as email bodies.

If you want to explore what’s possible with merge field helpers—including syntax, advanced examples, and key considerations—see our full guide: Read more about merge field helpers.

Conditional content blocks (for HTML users)

To show or hide designed content in your email based on a True or false variable, wrap the section in an {{#if}} block:

{{#if var.ShowPromoBanner}}
  <img src="https://cdn.example.com/promo-banner.png" style="width:100%;" alt="Exclusive Offer">
{{else}}
  <img src="https://cdn.example.com/default-banner.png" style="width:100%;" alt="Welcome">
{{/if}}

You can use {{#if}} to control when a specific design, image, or Saved Block appears — without duplicating your email template. Simply use merge field helpers to place your designed content inside the block.