# Exports to PDF and Word

When a page is exported, each variable is replaced with its value as ordinary text, so the document reads the same as the page.

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## What each export shows

| **Export**                      | **What appears**        |
| ------------------------------- | ----------------------- |
| PDF                             | The value as plain text |
| Word                            | The value as plain text |
| Any other export type           | \[unavailable\]         |
| A macro with no variable chosen | Nothing                 |

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## Whose permissions apply

The value is read as the person exporting, using their own permissions. If they cannot view the variable, the export shows \[unavailable\] in its place. Anonymous exports also show \[unavailable\].

User values print the person's display name. The account ID is never printed; if the name cannot be found the export says _Unknown user_.

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## A few things that catch people out

* Two people exporting the same page can get different documents if one of them cannot view a variable.
* Dates print as _14 Oct 2026_, the same as on the page.
* An exported file is a snapshot. It does not update when the variable changes; export again.

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## Related

### [An exported file shows \[unavailable\] instead of a value](https://help.gocapable.com/variables/an-exported-file-shows-unavailable-instead-of-a-value.html)

Fix the placeholder in a file.

### [Who can see a value](https://help.gocapable.com/variables/who-can-see-a-value.html)

Values follow space permissions.

### [Capable Sites](https://help.gocapable.com/variables/capable-sites.html)

Values on published sites.

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_The page, on paper._