> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dreetje-1.gitbook.io/inbox-ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dreetje-1.gitbook.io/inbox-ai/actions/action-variables.md).

# Action Variables

Action Variables are placeholders Inbox AI replaces with actual values before they are sent to the AI. See [Templating](/inbox-ai/templating.md) for more information about using them and the default variables available.

To create and edit variables, click the"'Edit variables" button (1) in the bottom right of most actions.

<div><figure><img src="/files/eAbaFcCcl8rU3tHeYYa8" alt=""><figcaption><p>(1) Click edit variables</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/T1ogSmLIBbEMIhAYnkNi" alt=""><figcaption><p>Fill in the variables</p></figcaption></figure></div>

The popup shows you a list of the variables available to the selected action. Each variable has:

* A name, which is used to refer to the variable using [Templating](/inbox-ai/templating.md) (i.e `{{ input }}`)
* A label for the AI or Human with a more readable format
* A description for the AI or Human with instructions how to use the variable
* A type:
  * String: A piece of text
  * Array: A list of strings
* Whether it is intended to be used for by a human or an AI

Human variables result in a configuration screen to show. This allows for easy configuration of actions, especially actions shared with others can benefit from this. A common example of these are API keys.

AI variables are used by Ask AI actions. The AI uses your label and descriprion to do its best filling them.

## Secret Variables

<figure><img src="/files/e5mRMDNljuWiKTtNuRz8" alt=""><figcaption><p>An example of a secret variable in a configuration screen</p></figcaption></figure>

Human variables that start with the word "secret" (i.e. `secretApiKey`) will automatically show in the configuration screen as passwords.


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# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://dreetje-1.gitbook.io/inbox-ai/actions/action-variables.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.