Cannot pass a string variable to set a face color
reddit / emacs

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TiMueller · 2022-10-13 12:39

Why is it that I cannot pass a string variable to set a face color?

I can use `(propertize "Colorful" 'face '(:foreground
"CornflowerBlue"))`, but I cannot use:

    (setq mycolor "CornflowerBlue")
    (propertize "Colorful" 'face '(:foreground mycolor))

Also it doesn't work with `,mycolor` or `(mycolor)`.

What am I doing wrong? Any help is appreciated!

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ireallywantfreedom · 2022-10-13 13:12

https://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/html_node/elisp/Backquote.ht
ml

You'll need the comma and the preceding backtick e. g.


    (setq mycolor "CornflowerBlue")

    (propertize "Colorful" 'face `(:foreground ,mycolor))

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TiMueller · 2022-10-13 13:53

Thank you so much! I have never used the backtick before. Now it
works!

So much to learn until one gets to a better understanding of Elisp. I
am very grateful there is this reddit forum where I can ask. Thanks
again!