> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.inboxapp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Personalize DMs with custom variables

> Insert lead fields such as first name into campaign messages with the custom variable control.

Custom variables fill lead fields into each DM so messages aren’t identical.

1. Open **Campaigns** and create or edit a campaign.
2. Name the campaign, then continue.
   <Frame>
     <img src="https://mintcdn.com/inboxtechinc/dgSDSEato981ZoWO/images/help/personalizing-dms-with-custom-variables/image-1678496493.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dgSDSEato981ZoWO&q=85&s=07b506e925423f1a902d1145f167d285" alt="Insert variable control in message editor" width="277" height="97" data-path="images/help/personalizing-dms-with-custom-variables/image-1678496493.png" />
   </Frame>
3. Select the recipient list and continue.
   <Frame>
     <img src="https://mintcdn.com/inboxtechinc/dgSDSEato981ZoWO/images/help/personalizing-dms-with-custom-variables/image-1678496596.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dgSDSEato981ZoWO&q=85&s=64c4a1e6237de97270ed4876215c8d38" alt="Variable picker list" width="926" height="544" data-path="images/help/personalizing-dms-with-custom-variables/image-1678496596.png" />
   </Frame>
4. In the message editor, open the **Custom Variable** control (often shown as an asterisk or similar).
   <Frame>
     <img src="https://mintcdn.com/inboxtechinc/dgSDSEato981ZoWO/images/help/personalizing-dms-with-custom-variables/image-1678496809.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dgSDSEato981ZoWO&q=85&s=3845b457be9aefa60742bcc5f6721c63" alt="Message preview with variable placeholders" width="955" height="643" data-path="images/help/personalizing-dms-with-custom-variables/image-1678496809.png" />
   </Frame>
5. Choose a field such as **First Name**. Inboxapp substitutes each lead’s value at send time.
   <Frame>
     <img src="https://mintcdn.com/inboxtechinc/dgSDSEato981ZoWO/images/help/personalizing-dms-with-custom-variables/image-1678496950.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dgSDSEato981ZoWO&q=85&s=7c8d563e0b7ab0191d0b1d6761108d22" alt="Personalization mapping for lead fields" width="566" height="230" data-path="images/help/personalizing-dms-with-custom-variables/image-1678496950.png" />
   </Frame>

Insert variables from the picker — don’t type placeholder syntax by hand, or personalization may fail.

## Related

* [Create your first campaign](/help/campaigns/build/create-your-first-campaign)
* [Multi-step sequences](/help/campaigns/build/how-to-design-multi-step-dm-sequences)
* [Tags and custom fields](/help/leads-management/organize/tags-and-custom-fields)

Still stuck? Contact support from the app.