> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/dynamic-variables/flow-variables/adding-and-managing-flow-variables.md).

# Adding & managing flow variables

## Introduction

Flow variables are added and managed for any process flow via [process flow settings](/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/process-flow-settings.md). Once variables are defined, they can be referenced throughout the system - for example, in [scripts](/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/dynamic-variables/flow-variables/referencing-flow-variables-in-custom-scripts.md), or as [variable values](/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/dynamic-variables/flow-variables/referencing-flow-variables-in-a-process-flow.md#introduction).

## Adding flow variables

**Step 1**\
[Access the required process flow](/product-documentation/process-flows/accessing-your-process-flows.md).

**Step 2**\
Select the 'settings' icon from the [actions bar](/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/the-process-flow-canvas.md#the-actions-bar):

<figure><img src="/files/5gJ7FmJsGrrnljDKSX91" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Step 3**\
Scroll down the settings drawer to the **variables** section, then click the **add new flow variable** button:

<figure><img src="/files/kgSSKVPvy4JxqI7sXIRC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Step 4**\
Enter a name for this variable - the name you enter here should be specified whenever you are referencing this variable:

<figure><img src="/files/1LNgQ5X0inYbbDvVISjE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Step 5**\
Click the **select a type** field and choose the required type:

<figure><img src="/files/6x2CbQ3UQ3aQbP7P0GqJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The following options are available:

<table><thead><tr><th width="224">Variable type</th><th>Variable is defined and passed as...</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>String</td><td>A string value.</td></tr><tr><td>Number</td><td>A numeric value.</td></tr><tr><td>Specific date</td><td>A selected date - choose the required date/time from a date picker.</td></tr><tr><td>Dynamic date</td><td>A <code>+</code>/<code>-</code> number of <code>seconds</code>, <code>minutes</code>, <code>hours</code>, <code>days</code>, <code>months</code>, <code>years</code> to be matched relative to the current date. You can also specify a time zone and the required date format.</td></tr><tr><td>Boolean</td><td>A true/false value.</td></tr></tbody></table>

**Step 6**\
Enter the required value for this variable and save settings:

<figure><img src="/files/hTCGD1vhxwNGkLUiiUZF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
When a variable is marked as `secret`, it will never be displayed on this page. However, it may be shown in [run logs](/product-documentation/process-flows/error-reporting-and-exception-handling/run-logs-and-queue.md) and (if used as a [dynamic variable](/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/dynamic-variables.md)) in [cache keys](/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/process-flow-shapes/advanced-shapes/cache/add-to-cache-shape.md).
{% endhint %}

**Step 7**\
If you want to hide this value from being displayed after the variable is saved, toggle ON the `is this variable a secret?` option:

<figure><img src="/files/dNgt5LFOAcmekg2JXgHQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Step 8**\
Save settings.

## Updating flow variables

**Step 1**\
Access settings for the required process flow, as detailed [above](#adding-flow-variables).

**Step 2**\
Click the 'edit' icon associated with the variable you want to change:

<figure><img src="/files/cH3uI0ywH21JEi7RrT9K" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Step 3**\
Now you can either update existing settings and click the **update** button, or click the **delete** button to remove this variable:

<figure><img src="/files/vVbD3jbGe8alQMECfeob" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>