--- sourceDocument: Brazil Build workflows sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/build-workflows Release : - brazil ft:locale : - en-US ft:publication_title : - Brazil Build workflows ft:clusterId : - crworkflow bundleId : - crworkflow workflow : - Creator --- # Variables # Flow variables {#ariaid-title1} Release version: Brazil Updated September 10, 2026 ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read Summarize ![AI sparkle icon](https://servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ai-sparkle-icon) Summarized using AI This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. ## Summary of Flow variables Flow variables in ServiceNow allow you to create and manage variables that can be used and modified throughout the execution of a flow. Similar to Workflow scratchpad variables, these variables act as mutable data holders accessible as data pills in the Data panel. Unlike subflow inputs and outputs, which are only accessible at the start or completion of subflows, flow variables are available at any point during the flow's execution. Show full answer Show less ## Creating and Managing Flow Variables You can create multiple flow variables simultaneously via the More Actions menu by specifying their names and data types. These variables then appear in the Flow Variables section of the Data panel for use throughout the flow. Assign values to flow variables using the **Set Flow Variables** flow logic, which requires the variable name and data value. This action can set multiple variables at once. Values assigned to flow variables are mutable and can be updated anytime; if a variable is assigned multiple times, only the last assigned value is used during runtime. When assigning values by referencing other data pills or variables, maintain the assignment order to ensure all referenced values are set before they are used to avoid null values. ## Flow Execution and Visibility The execution details provide a summary of all flow variables set during a flow, including their names, types, configurations, and runtime values. This visibility helps in troubleshooting and understanding variable usage within actions and flow logic. ## Supported Data Types Flow variables support a variety of data types in Workflow Studio, including: * Array.Object * Date/Time * Decimal * Floating-point number * Integer * JSON Object * Reference * String * True/False ## Practical Use for ServiceNow Customers By leveraging flow variables, ServiceNow customers can manage and manipulate data dynamically throughout a flow's lifecycle, enabling more flexible and powerful automation processes. This capability is essential for storing intermediate results, referencing data across multiple steps, and maintaining state within complex flows. Similar to Workflow scratchpad variables, create variables that you can use and modify directly in your flow. Access flow variables as data pills directly in the Data panel. Use flow variables to set and retrieve values throughout a flow. Flow variables are similar to subflow inputs and outputs. Both define data available to a flow or subflow. The main difference between them is when they are accessible. Flow variables are accessible throughout a flow. Inputs are only accessible at the start of a subflow, and outputs are only accessible when a subflow completes. ## Creating flow variables {#flow-variables__section_gr1_s5b_gnb} Create variables with the Flow Variables option on the More Actions menu. You can create several variables at a time by choosing a name and data type for each one. Flow variables appear as data pills in the Flow Variables section of the Data panel. ## Assigning values to flow variables {#flow-variables__section_fxm_nq1_knb} Assign values to variables with the Set Flow Variables flow logic. Set Flow Variables has the following inputs: * The name of the variable. * The data value for the variable. {#flow-variables__ul_jvw_wy1_knb} You can assign values to all of your variables with a single use of Set Flow Variables. Unlike other data pills, the values assigned to flow variables are mutable and can be changed at any time. Using Set Flow Variables overrides the current value of the variable. If no value is assigned to a variable, the default value is null. Flow variable values are set in the order in which they're assigned from top to bottom. If you set the value of the same variable multiple times, the flow only uses the last value set. For example, these three variable definitions result in the variable having the runtime value of last value set. {#flow-variables__table_acm_3k5_hsb__entry__3} | Order | Variable | Configuration | |-|-|-| | 1 | variable | first value set | | 2 | variable | second value set | | 3 | variable | last value set | [Table 1. Last value set defines flow variable value] {#flow-variables__table_acm_3k5_hsb} Variable values can reference any data pill from earlier in the flow, including other variables. If you set variable values by reference to other data pills, you must maintain the order of the variable assignments. The referenced value must always come before the variable that uses the referenced value. Changing the order may produce null values. For example, these variable definitions only produce the expected runtime values when you maintain the order of the variable definitions. {#flow-variables__table_x4c_rm5_hsb__entry__4} | Order | Variable | Configuration | Runtime Value | |-|-|-|-| | 1 | variable1 | One | One | | 2 | variable2 | {variable1}, Two | One, Two | | 3 | variable3 | {variable1}, {variable2}, Three | One, Two, Three | [Table 2. Setting variable values by reference] {#flow-variables__table_x4c_rm5_hsb} ## Flow execution details {#flow-variables__section_hv4_j1k_3nb} A summary of the Set Flow Variables flow logic appears in the execution details. The details show the name, type, configuration, and runtime values for all the variables set with the action. Execution details also provide information about the variables when they're used in actions or flow logic. In that case, it shows the type, configuration, and runtime values. ## Supported data types {#flow-variables__section_ztc_v1j_3nb} Workflow Studio supports the following data types for flow variables: * Array.Object * Date/Time * Decimal * Floating-point number * Integer * JSON * Object * Reference * String * True/False {#flow-variables__ul_p4f_m3j_3nb} * **[Create a flow variable](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/x56vJRQd2MZ5IRzs2DfZrA)** Create a flow variable to store and retrieve a value throughout a flow.