Work with Variables

Create and update variables on the canvas or in a robot action.

To learn more about variables and other robot resources, see Alternatives to Hard Coding Data.

Create a Variable

A variable holds data temporarily for a robot so that you can use the data somewhere else. You can add a variable on the canvas or in a robot action.

If you plan to add actions using the recorder, consider creating the variables that you need on the canvas, before you start building the robot. That way, you won't have to pause the recorder to create the variables.

Determine where to start:
- If you're currently adding an action to a robot, work within the robot action.
  1. Add an action to a robot.
    
    See Add an Action to a Robot.
  2. While the panel for the robot action is open, select within any field for which you can provide a value, and select Variables .
    
    This option is sometimes in the More options menu.
    
    The Variables panel appears.
- Otherwise, start on the canvas.
  1. In the navigation pane, select Projects.
  2. Select the project name.
  3. In the left toolbar, select Robot .
  4. In the Robots box, select the robot to open.
    
    The canvas appears.
  5. In the toolbar, select Variables .
    
    The Variables panel appears.
Select one of the following options:
- If no variables have been created, select Create.
- If at least one variable exists, select Create .
A new variable is added to the list of variables, and the Variable panel appears.
Fill in the following fields:
- Name: Enter a name for the variable.
- Type: Select the type on which to base the variable. If the type that you require doesn't appear, you can create it. See Create a Data Type.
- Description: Enter a description for the data type.
- Collection: Select this checkbox if the variable needs to store an array of values. If the checkbox is deselected, the variable can store only a single value. If a robot obtains a value and stores it in a variable, and the robot iterates over several records, you must select Collection so that the variable can store a value from each record.
Click OK until you return to the canvas.
Above the canvas, select Save.

Update a Variable

You can update a variable at any time from the canvas, without opening an action that uses the variable.

Before updating a variable, check where it's used: See Where a Variable Is Used.

Open the robot whose variable needs to change.
1. In the navigation pane, select Projects.
2. Select the project name.
3. In the left toolbar, select Robot .
4. In the Robots box, select the robot to open.
  
  The canvas appears.
On the toolbar, select Variables .

The Variables panel appears.
Select a variable in the list, and select Edit .
Update the fields as necessary, and select OK.
Above the canvas, select Save.

See Where a Variable Is Used

At any time, you can view the actions and logic that reference a variable.

Open a robot.
1. In the navigation pane, select Projects.
2. Select the project name.
3. In the left toolbar, select Robot .
4. In the Robots box, select the robot to open.
  
  The canvas appears.
On the toolbar, select Variables .

The Variables panel appears.
In the list, locate a variable.
Select the Usages link for the variable.

The Variable usages panel appears.
Review the actions and logic that reference the variable.
Click OK.