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🔎 Variables

Extract data with Regex into a variable in RunMacro

Applies to: RunMacro 3.x • Updated September 2026

The Extract Regex command uses a regular expression to pull a piece of data (OTP, email, number...) from a variable, text, or the clipboard, then stores it in a variable.

Prerequisites#

Add Extract Regex to the macro.
Prepare the data or target that Extract Regex will use.

Supported modes#

Desktop Mode
Browser Mode — Runs in the background through Chrome CDP: when the source is the clipboard, the command reads RunMacro’s virtual clipboard instead of the system clipboard.
RunMacro Runner

What it does#

The Extract Regex command uses a regular expression to pull a piece of data (OTP, email, number...) from a variable, text, or the clipboard, then stores it in a variable.

Screenshots & video#

RunMacro Extract Regex command configuration dialog showing parameter fields — Configuration dialog and parameter fields for the Extract Regex command in RunMacro.

When to use it#

Grab a 6-digit OTP from a message/email.
Pull an email or phone number from a block of text.
Isolate the needed data before using it.

When not to use it#

Do not use it for structured JSON/CSV/HTML or an untested regex.

Configuration steps#

Add a Variables › Extract Regex command.
Choose the source (Variable / Text / Clipboard) and enter the source value.
Enter the regex pattern (e.g. \d{6} for 6 digits) and the result variable.
(Optional) choose the group/match index. Save.

Every option explained#

`Source + source value`#

Where to read the text: a variable, typed text, or the clipboard.

`Regex pattern`#

The regular expression to match. Examples: \d{6}, [\w.]+@[\w.]+.

`Group + match index`#

Group 0 = whole match; a number/name gets a captured group. Match index selects which match when several exist.

`On no match`#

Choose to continue with an empty value, or treat it as a failure.

`Extract-all mode (mode = all)`#

Instead of one result, capture every match into numbered variables var_1, var_2... plus a count variable (var_count). You can set an expected count to flag mismatches, and hide the values in the log.

Expected result#

After execution, Extract Regex completes the described action and makes its result available to the next step.

Real example#

Example: extract a 6-digit OTP from the clipboard#

Copy the message containing the OTP.
Extract Regex: source Clipboard, pattern \d{6} → variable otp.
Use {otp} to fill the code field.

Limitations and failure cases#

An invalid pattern, group, or match index yields no result; Extract All creates numbered and count variables.

Tips & common mistakes#

Test the pattern on an online regex tool first to be sure it matches the right part.

Verification details#

commands/variables.py

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