Symbolic variables
Symbolic variables represent changeable text strings, including folder paths, target system information, product information, and user interface settings. The available symbolic variables are listed on the Variables project page; you can modify existing variables and add new ones on that page.
The Variables project page also contains the following pseudo-variables:
- Folder aliases, which represent the installation paths of the folders on the Files and folders project page.
- Registry key aliases, which represent the installation paths of the registry keys on the Registry project page.
Both types of pseudo-variables are created automatically. See Symbolic Variable attributes for more information about symbolic variable types. The Alphabetical reference topic contains a full list of all predefined symbolic variables.
Symbolic variables are used in symbolic expressions and as part of conditional expressions in many places in InstallMate.
On the Variables project page you can recognize the variables by their icon, as shown in the following table:
| Icon | Description |
|---|---|
 |
Variable contains generic text. |
 |
Variable contains generic text, but its Include in installer option is not checked. |
 |
Variable represents a file or folder path. |
 |
Variable represents a file or folder path, but its Include in installer option is not checked. |
 |
Variable represents a folder alias; click on the  button in the toolbar to go to the target folder. |
 |
Variable represents a registry key path. |
 |
Variable represents a registry key path, but its Include in installer option is not checked. |
 |
Variable represents a registry key alias; click on the button in the toolbar to go to the target registry key. |
Predefined variables
To help you locate the most appropriate symbolic variables for a particular purpose, the variables are broken down into categories that reflect their recommended usage or purpose. The Alphabetical reference topic contains a full list of all predefined symbolic variables.