Variables

Use variables to store and manipulate data in your workflow, such as an email address, file, calculated value, or information collected via a form. You can define, use, and update workflow variables as many times as you need throughout your workflow. Objects can be created for connector actions and events, which are automatically defined based on the action or event configuration. You can use different variable types to integrate your workflow and form. Variables can be used inside the workflow to manipulate data, but can also be used in your form to populate data from 3rd party services (workflow objects).

For example, you could create a variable to store an employee's email address. The email address is retrieved from a SharePoint list using a workflow action when the workflow runs, and then used to send an email to that employee using another workflow action. By using a variable, you avoid having to specify the email address in your workflow design, making your workflow much more flexible and powerful.

To view a list of all variables that you can use in your workflow, access the Variables pane in the Workflow designer.

 

Variable Type Description Method Create from Usage
Workflow variable Stores data to be used throughout the workflow. Manual
  • Action configuration panel
  • Variables panel on the toolbar
  • Workflow
  • Form
Form-based task Data entered into the form that is part of a Form-based task. Auto-generated
  • Task actions
  • Workflow
Start event variable Data from the workflow start event. Manual and auto-generated
  • Start event configuration panel
  • Variables panel on the toolbar
  • Workflow
Context variable Data related to the current workflow instance. Auto-generated
  • N/A
  • Workflow
  • Form
Workflow object

Output variables of workflow actions and events.

Auto-generated based on action configurations
  • Action configuration panel
  • Workflow
  • Form