Variables

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated March 12, 2026
  • 2 minutes to read
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    Summary of Variables

    The Variables page in your ServiceNow system lists all available variable sets, allowing you to search, create, edit, or delete these sets. Variables are primarily used for Auto Query scans and can be associated with specific Sites. Each Site can only link to one Variable set, but a Variable set can contain multiple variables.

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    Key Features

    • Variable Indicators: A green bracket-dot icon signifies that a variable is enabled for auto queries; white means it is not. A green lock icon indicates the variable’s password is encrypted, ensuring security.
    • Variable Sets: There are special sets such as Custom - Global (editable by users) and Driver - Global (read-only). Custom - Global sets can override Driver - Global sets indirectly.
    • Query Behavior: When running queries, the system first checks for Site-specific variable overrides. If none exist, it looks for Custom - Global overrides, and if those are absent, it defaults to the Driver - Global variable set.
    • Import/Export: Variable sets can be imported or exported in JSON or CSV formats. When exporting, you can choose to include encrypted password variables as plain text (which reduces security) or exclude them. Encrypted values are displayed as obscured dots within the interface to protect sensitive information.

    Practical Implications

    By managing variable sets effectively, you can tailor Auto Query behavior per Site, maintain security for sensitive data through encryption, and leverage global overrides for flexible configuration. Import/export capabilities facilitate variable set management and migration across environments, with clear options around handling encrypted passwords.

    The Variables page provides a list of currently available variable sets.

    Variable overview

    The Variables page displays the available Variable sets on your system. It provides a Search Variables field above the variable list.

    You can also create new variable sets. Variables are used for Auto Query scans and can be associated to a specific Site.

    The columns on the page are:
    • The bracket dot icon and lock icon appear in the row next to the variable listing. When the bracket-dot symbol appears green next to the variable's name, the variable can be used for auto queries. When white, the variable can't be used for auto queries. The green lock indicates that the variable password is encrypted.
      Note:
      Encrypted Variable values in Variable Sets are obscured.
    • Name
    • Description
    • Sites display the name of the site to which the variable is associated.
      Note:
      A Site can only be associated with a single Variable set, but a Variable set can contain many variables.
    • Variables (number of variables)
    • Tools
      • Select the pencil icon to edit the variable set.
      • Select the trash can icon to delete the variable set.

    Variable page

    Special Variable sets

    There are the following special variable sets:
    • Custom - Global
    • Driver - Global
    The Custom-Global variable set can be edited by a user while the Driver - Global is read-only. The Custom - Global variable sets can be used to override indirectly the Driver - Global variable sets.

    Special variable sets

    You can use variable sets (Custom - Global or Site-specific sets) to override a Variable set. See Edit a Variable set or Create a Site-specific Variable set to use with Auto Query for more information on editing a Variable set.

    Query Behavior

    During a query, the query configuration is reviewed to see which Sites are being targeted. The query then searches to see if any Site-specific variable set override is defined. If no override is defined, it then searches to see if any Custom - Global override is defined. If it doesn't find a custom override, the query uses the default variable set from the Driver - Global.

    Importing or exporting Variables sets

    You can import or export variable sets. You can select either the JSON or CSV formats. Select Actions to import or export.
    Action button
    When you export Variable sets in either JSON or CSV format, you're prompted to include encrypted password variables. If you select yes, the values are exported as plain text. If you select no, the export excludes encrypted password variables.
    Export prompt
    If the encrypted password is exported as plain text, it is no longer hidden and secure.
    Note:
    Encrypted Variable values in Variable Sets are obscured. Encrypted values display as dots when set to encrypted.

    Encrypted values
    Note:
    For information on creating a Site-specific Variable set, refer to Create a Site-specific Variable set.