# Read overlay strings?

**URL:** <https://forum.electra.one/t/read-overlay-strings/4200>\
**Category:** Developers\
**Tags:** lua\
**Created:** [February 7, 2026, 10:19am UTC](https://forum.electra.one/t/read-overlay-strings/4200 "2026-02-07T10:19:27Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![NewIgnis](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex017/user_avatar/forum.electra.one/newignis/32/767_2.png) [@NewIgnis](https://forum.electra.one/u/NewIgnis)\
**Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 10:19am UTC](https://forum.electra.one/t/read-overlay-strings/4200/1 "2026-02-07T10:19:27Z")

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Some has a lua code for the following: given a parameter and its value read out the content of the string from the current overlay, attached to that parameter and value.

Purpose: retrieve in a formatting function the Voice category (stored in the overlay of the category select control) a patch is in, and show that on the E1 screen alongside the patch number.