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User Guide: Custom Parameters

This Guide describes what Custom Parameters (also know as Merge Fields) are, and how to use them within Smartwebs.

Overview

Parameters can be used within forms and templates in Smartwebs. A parameter is a special value enclosed in << >> brackets that is replaced with a specific value when the form or template is generated.

For example, the <<association_name>> parameter will be replaced with the name of the association when the form is generated within that specific association.

There are many prebuilt parameters available for use within Smartwebs forms and templates. However, you also have the ability to create Custom Parameters if a needed value is not already available.

Navigation

Select the gear icon in the top-right corner of the screen:
Manage > Company > Parametersimage.png

Custom Parameter Creation

Once in the Custom Parameters section, you will see a list of all existing Custom Parameters. To create a new one, select the green “New” button on the right side of the screen.



After selecting “New”, complete the following fields (see screenshot below for reference):

  • Enter the Name of your Custom Parameter

  • Enter a Description

  • The Parameter Code will be automatically generated

  • Select the Module where this parameter will be used
    (Violations, Architectural, Work Orders, Customer Service, Communications, or Accounting)

    • If the parameter is needed in multiple modules, it must be created separately for each module

  • Select the Associations where this parameter will be available

  • Enter a default value if the value will be the same across all Associations

  • Optionally, define association-specific values if they differ

  • Edit or delete values for individual associations as needed

Once complete, select Save.

How to Use Custom Parameters

After a Custom Parameter is created, it can be used within the module it was assigned to.

For example, a Custom Parameter created for Violations can be used in Violation templates.

To add a Custom Parameter to a template:

Navigate to:
Violations > More > Violation Options > Letters 

  • Select the notepad icon for the template you want to edit

  • Use the search field on the right side of the page to locate your Custom Parameter

  • Select the arrow icon to insert the parameter into the template at the desired location



 

Result

When the template is generated, the Custom Parameter will be replaced with the value configured for the specific Association where the template is being used.


 

Best Practices

Use clear, consistent naming conventions

  • Use descriptive names (e.g., Association Region, Office Phone)

  • Avoid vague or duplicate names

Validate before creating a new parameter

  • Check existing parameters to prevent duplicates

  • Reuse existing parameters when possible

Standardize values where applicable

  • Use a default value when the data is consistent across Associations

  • Only configure association-specific values when necessary

Limit module duplication

  • Only create parameters in additional modules if they are actively needed

  • Avoid unnecessary duplication across modules

Test before broad use

  • Insert the parameter into a test template

  • Generate the template to confirm the value populates correctly

Maintain and audit regularly

  • Periodically review parameters for accuracy and relevance

  • Remove unused or outdated parameters to reduce clutter

 
End of Guide