I say 'simple' but oh, what it is to be so close - but not yet arrived. ! So much is about getting the question right. And I have been working on this one for quite a few days now. So, i have worked out how to pass my variable to the popup. var VARIABLE = name; How do I get the VARIABLE into the line: function put(a,val) { var insert = window.opener.document.EDITFORM.VARIABLE; insert.value += a + val; } I have tried +, () \'\' and a variety of approaches but can't seem to crack it. Great would be my delight to have this last leg of the journey resolved. thanks - arfa