--- title: Variables & Secrets description: Variables & secrets is a settings page where you can save a value, plain text or an encrypted secret, and reference it from any Workflow instead of typing it in each time. Think of it like storing a value once and pasting a short reference wherever you need it. --- [Skip to content](https://help.siit.io/variables-secrets#main-content) [![Logo\_Siit\_Full\_White](https://help.siit.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo_Siit_Full_White.png?width=70&height=33&name=Logo_Siit_Full_White.png)](https://help.siit.io/?hsLang=en) - [Help Center](https://help.siit.io/) - [Docs](https://docs.siit.io/) - [API reference](https://developer.siit.io/api-reference/authentication) - [Changelog](https://www.siit.io/changelog) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Help Center](https://help.siit.io/) - [Docs](https://docs.siit.io/) - [API reference](https://developer.siit.io/api-reference/authentication) - [Changelog](https://www.siit.io/changelog) How can we help? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help center](https://help.siit.io/?hsLang=en) 2. [Automations and Workflows](https://help.siit.io/automations-and-workflows?hsLang=en) 3. [Getting started](https://help.siit.io/automations-and-workflows?hsLang=en#getting-started) # Variables & Secrets ## Store a value once in Siit and reuse it across every Workflow that needs it, without retyping it or leaving it exposed. ### What is this? Variables & secrets is a settings page where you can save a value, plain text or an encrypted secret, and insert it into any Workflow instead of typing it in each time. Think of it like storing a value once and dropping it in wherever you need it, using the `/` picker rather than typing it out. ![CleanShot 2026-08-26 at 18.24.43@2x](https://help.siit.io/hs-fs/hubfs/CleanShot%202026-08-26%20at%2018.24.43@2x.png?width=670&height=294&name=CleanShot%202026-08-26%20at%2018.24.43@2x.png) ### Why it matters If you use the same API key, URL, or ID in several Workflows, you've probably had to update it in every place it appears whenever it changes. With Variables & secrets, you change the value once and every Workflow that references it picks up the update automatically. Secrets add a layer of protection on top of that: once saved, a secret's value is never shown again, only its last four characters, so an API key doesn't sit in plain view inside a Workflow. ### How it works, step by step 1. **Create a variable or a secret.** Go to **Settings → Variables & secrets** and click **+ New**. Choose a kind: - **Plain** - value stays visible in the list. - **Secret** - value is encrypted and only its last 4 characters are ever shown again. 2. **Name it.** Use letters, numbers, and underscores (must start with a letter or underscore). The name has to be unique in your company. 3. **Set the value and, optionally, a description**, then save. 4. **Copy the reference.** Each row shows the exact string to use: `` for a plain value, `` for a secret. 5. **Insert it into a Workflow.** In the Workflow editor, click into a supported field and type `/` to open the picker, then select your variable or secret. Typing or pasting the `` text directly into the field doesn't work. ### Key features **One list for both kinds** Name, kind, value, description, when it was last updated, and a copyable reference, all in one settings page. **Write-only secrets** Siit never returns a secret's value through the API or the UI. You'll see `••••3456` (its last four characters) instead of the full value. **Rotating a secret** Open it, type the new value, and save. Leave the value field empty to keep the current value unchanged, useful if you're only updating the description. **Scoped picker** Custom variables show up on every Workflow action. Custom secrets only show up on the **Send External Request** action (URL, headers, body), so a secret can never end up in a Slack message, a note, or a reply someone will read. ### Setting up a variable or secret 1. Go to **Settings → Variables & secrets**. 2. Click **+ New**. 3. Choose **Plain** or **Secret**. This can't be changed later, so pick the right kind up front. 4. Fill in the name, value, and description. 5. Click **Save**. ### Using a variable or secret in a Workflow 1. Open the Workflow you want to edit. 2. On a supported action, open the variable picker. 3. Select your variable or secret from the **Custom variables** or **Custom secrets** group. 4. Save the Workflow. ### Rotating or deleting a value - **To rotate:** open the variable or secret, enter the new value, and save. Every Workflow referencing it uses the new value immediately. - **To delete:** open the variable or secret and delete it. Siit warns you if deleting could affect a Workflow, but it does not block the deletion. If a Workflow still references a deleted or renamed variable, that reference resolves to an empty value the next time the Workflow runs, so double-check before deleting anything in active use. ### Before you start You'll need the `Manage company variables` permission to create, edit, or delete a variable or secret. This is on by default for owners and admins. Any admin can view the list even without this permission, since building a Workflow requires seeing what's available. ### Availability Available on all plans. ### Frequently asked questions **Can I see a secret's value after I save it?** No. Only the last four characters are ever shown again. If you need to change it, you'll have to enter a new value. **What happens if I rename a variable that's used in a Workflow?** The Workflow keeps the old reference, which will no longer resolve to a value. Update the Workflow to use the new name after renaming. **Can I use a secret in a Slack message or a reply template?** No. Secrets are only available in the Send External Request action, so they can't end up in content that people read. **Who can create or edit variables and secrets?** Anyone with the `Manage company variables` permission, on by default for owners and admins. 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