Variables
Reuse named values across workflows and agents without hard-coding them in every step.
Variables are named values you store once and reuse wherever Automate accepts dynamic fields. Create them at Variables, then insert them into workflow steps or let agents read and update them with the built-in Variables tools.
In this guide
| Topic | Start here |
|---|---|
| Create, change, or delete a variable | Create and manage |
| Insert variables in workflow fields and app actions | Use in workflows |
| Let agents read or update variables safely | Use with agents |
Saved variables vs execution variables
| Kind | Lifetime | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Saved variable (Variables page) | Persists until you change or delete it | Shared settings across many runs |
| Execution variable | Exists only for one workflow run | Passing temporary data between steps in that run |
Do not put long-lived business settings into execution variables. Create a saved variable instead. Details for both kinds are in Use in workflows.
Scope: workspace or project
When you create a variable you can optionally assign a project.
| Choice | Who can use it |
|---|---|
| No project (workspace-wide) | Any project in the workspace that has access |
| A specific project | That project (and tools that resolve project-scoped access) |
Rules and limits
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name length | Up to 100 characters; required |
| Description length | Up to 1000 characters; optional |
| Value | Required when you create or update |
| Data types you can pick in the UI | Text, Number, True/False, Date |
| Name uniqueness | Prefer unique, human-readable names so pickers and agents stay clear |
| Delete impact | Deleting a variable affects every workflow that still references it |
| Secrets | Prefer connection credentials for API keys and passwords. Variables may appear in the Variables table and in run context; treat them as shared configuration, not a secrets vault |
Related
- Create and manage
- Use in workflows
- Use with agents
- Business users: core platform concepts
- Workflows: building and running automations
- AI agents: agents that can call tools and start workflows