Normally, if you include an ampersand (&) before a parameter name in a note, the note searches for the parameter in the drawing, and if found, displays the parameter value. Notes in symbols also do this, but you must set up the note in the symbol definition differently than you would a note in the drawing. You must enter the parameter as a value for a string of variable text.

If you insert text notes with a backslash before and after them (for example \notetext\ )  in the symbol definition, these notes become "variable text" notes. They appear in the Var Text tab of the Symbol Definition Attributes dialog box. Variable text means that you may enter a selection of values in the preset values text box for each variable text note. For example, if your note had the text

 "Drafter Name \names\,"

"names" would appear in the left window of the Var Text tab. You could enter a list of employees names in the right side area to select from when the instance is placed. When you place the instance, you can select a name to follow "Drafter Name" from a drop down list in the Custom Symbol dialog box. (Select the symbol and click Properties on the right mouse button shortcut menu to show the dialog box.)

You may also enter a parameter as the preset value for the variable text, for example "&draftername". If there is a "draftername" parameter in the drawing, the symbol note will return its value.