Edit/View Variables - Text Options Tab is used to setup the input options for a Text parameter such as drop down list, date entry, etc...

Text Var Format

Text Entry:  This format allows any text to be entered, there is no list defined.  The numeric value for any entry will be 1 (one). 

Drop Down List:  When entering data for this variable the user will be present with a pull down (combobox) with the list.  The numeric value will be the row number of the list item selected (i.e. Partly Sunny will have a numeric value of 2).   The Drop Down List (unlike Drop Down Limit to List) allows users to enter values that are NOT on the list.  Those values store a 1 (one). 

Drop Down Limit to List: When entering data for this variable the user will be present with a pull down (combobox) with the list.  The numeric value will be the row number of the list item selected. The "Limit to List" means only entries allowed will be from the list. 

   
Date Entry: A valid date must be entered.  It will be formatted as mm/dd/yyyy (or dd/mm/yyyy, etc... depending on your Windows regional format).  The numeric value stored will be the Date Serial Number.

Time Entry:  A valid time must be entered. Time can be entered as military time or regular time.  The numeric value stored will be the Date Serial Number.  Note it will set the date portion (integer part) of the date serial number to the date the time is entered for (i.e. if 14:52 entered for Jan 11th, 2021 the numeric value stored will be 44207.62). 

Date/Time Entry: A valid date/time must be entered. The text value will be formatted as mm/dd/yyyy hh:mm AM/PM.  Time can be entered as military time or regular time.  The numeric value stored will be the Date Serial Number.  If Jan 11th, 2021 14:52 is entered the numeric value stored will be 44207.62). 

See Also: Using Text Variables in Calculations and Graphs