# Insert Text or Data

The **Insert Text or Data** building block inserts text into an input field on a website. It is useful for filling out forms, entering search queries, or automating text input tasks.

For example, you can enter some text as follows:

<figure><img src="https://3220183989-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fg9LcR8XM7TGOzOCDGsCS%2Fuploads%2FgaJBVV2VGu19JZLk5KeL%2FScreenshot%202023-11-22%20at%2018.04.30.png?alt=media&#x26;token=bfc16c36-2721-4f6a-9037-96412a037833" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

By adding the [open-link](https://docs.zerowork.io/using-zerowork/using-building-blocks/open-link "mention") building block to open wikipedia.org (as an example) and connecting it to the **Insert Text or Data** building block, you can see how the TaskBot inserts the text into the search field:

<figure><img src="https://3220183989-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fg9LcR8XM7TGOzOCDGsCS%2Fuploads%2FoDnAqrgHLYBGAOdDhmPO%2FScreenshot%202024-12-30%20at%2007.45.43.png?alt=media&#x26;token=65de23d7-345f-4036-9b16-6936bc53ef92" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### Options

#### Using a variable or table reference

By clicking on **V** (variable) or **T** (table) at the top right, you can add references to dynamic data.

<figure><img src="https://3220183989-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fg9LcR8XM7TGOzOCDGsCS%2Fuploads%2F8Z3FNUwUbpA8uWkDSUmV%2FScreenshot%202023-11-22%20at%2018.05.26.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f4adff22-e662-4fde-bfb2-821e0cc84f27" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Insert instantly without typing delay**

The *Insert instantly without typing delay* toggle allows you to paste text instantly without simulating typing.

* When this option is **enabled**, the typing speed is instant and the text is immediately pasted into the input field.
* When this option is **disabled**, the text will be typed character by character at the specified speed. The selector is then optional. If no selector is provided, the text is inserted wherever the mouse cursor is positioned.

#### Using spintax

Spintax lets you vary the content of your text dynamically. Learn more here: [spintax](https://docs.zerowork.io/using-zerowork/using-building-blocks/dynamic-inputs/spintax "mention").

<figure><img src="https://3220183989-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fg9LcR8XM7TGOzOCDGsCS%2Fuploads%2FXFxsEQ5gv3tGoMevCLlA%2FScreenshot%202023-11-22%20at%2018.07.38.png?alt=media&#x26;token=9ea7ccab-b839-4936-9571-a51ea9dac21c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Selector

The behavior of the selector depends on the *Insert instantly without typing delay* setting:

* **When enabled**: A selector (CSS or XPath) is required to specify the input field for pasting text.
* **When disabled**: The selector is optional. If no selector is provided, the text will be inserted wherever the mouse cursor is currently positioned. Some websites automatically place the mouse cursor in the desired input field (e.g., search engines like Google, DuckDuckGo, or Wikipedia). For instance, when you open Wikipedia, the cursor is automatically in the search field, allowing text to be typed directly without needing a selector.

#### Encrypt Content

In some cases, you might prefer logging in to the website/app that you want to automate with your credentials instead of cookies (as described here: [cookies](https://docs.zerowork.io/using-zerowork/general-run-schedule-share-webhooks/cookies "mention")). In such cases, you may need to use the Insert Text or Data building block to enter your username and password. If you do so, it is important to encrypt your password to protect your access.

Once encrypted and saved, the content cannot be viewed or edited. To modify it, you must remove the encrypted entry and re-enter your content. We do not store plain text copies of encrypted content.

<figure><img src="https://3220183989-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fg9LcR8XM7TGOzOCDGsCS%2Fuploads%2Fhxt8vkajQ7AHKIpQLRIp%2FScreenshot%202024-06-08%20at%2017.44.36.png?alt=media&#x26;token=168c0e85-b099-43e9-bb16-cd1626b74c7c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### FAQ

**Can I Use the Mouse Cursor Instead of a Selector?**

Yes, but only when the option *Insert instantly without typing delay* is **disabled**. In this case, the text is inserted wherever the mouse cursor is currently positioned.

#### When I use a table reference, no data is inserted, although there is data in the table.

This happens when no dynamic loop is set up to pull rows from the table. Please see the solution here: [when-i-use-data-from-table-no-data-is-being-pulled](https://docs.zerowork.io/using-zerowork/common-problems/when-i-use-data-from-table-no-data-is-being-pulled "mention").

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### Video Tutorials

See a video tutorial on using **Insert Text or Data** for an automated social media post: [#video-tutorial](https://docs.zerowork.io/using-zerowork/click-web-element#video-tutorial "mention").

See another video tutorial on sending a personalized outreach message:[#video-tutorial-connect-your-taskbot-with-open.ai](https://docs.zerowork.io/using-zerowork/apis-send-http-request#video-tutorial-connect-your-taskbot-with-open.ai "mention").