How to Coda a language sensitive template?
Using a table and Format() to create dynamic content
I decided to template my invoices in Coda and relate the majority of text to the language of my client. Long story short, I have people I do business with, they have a language preference, this I store in a Coda table and when I select a client, the contact is linked and so is the language. To make the set up even easier I wrote a canvas formula I stored on a hidden page together with other handy formulas.
When I started with Coda I used the SwitchIf() to express the proper phrase per language. You get something like below:
Ín this blog I show you a better way, actually one rather easy once you see it.
The main trick is to write a normal text with variables we use when dealing with Format() , thus the {1} and {2} . Below how this looks:
Per row I have a language and a corresponding phrase with variables. This one I reference and link to the values as you see below. The formatting (bold for example) is preserved.
This approach makes it super easy to add an other language and to change the phrases if you need to. The additional advantage is that once you have these elements defined, you can put them together.
This is how I template my language sensitive texts. I am wondering how the recently introduced canvas column can level up this game. To be continued!
I hope you enjoyed this article. If you have questions feel free to reach out. Though this article is for free, my work (including advice) won’t be, but there is always room for a chat to see what can be done. Besides you find my (for free) contributions to the Coda Community and on Twitter
My name is Christiaan Huizer and I am the owner of Huizer Automation. A company specialized in serving SME in harvesting data and keeping it aligned. I am a Coda Consultant & Expert and rely mainly on Coda, Mailjet, Zapier & Paperform to get the job done.
