# Action Variables

Action Variables are placeholders Inbox AI replaces with actual values before they are sent to the AI. See [templating](https://dreetje-1.gitbook.io/inbox-ai/templating "mention") 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="https://2980396867-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fkm2shtnhVydyNEDdxbX1%2Fuploads%2FBWdaPwnliNB6KCPkshGB%2FCleanShot%202024-10-15%20at%2013.40.01%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6d05a77d-039b-4f28-83be-42cd96b9f08c" alt=""><figcaption><p>(1) Click edit variables</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://2980396867-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fkm2shtnhVydyNEDdxbX1%2Fuploads%2FT8nvrbcLzndI35nQFVlp%2FCleanShot%202024-10-15%20at%2013.40.46%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=da834540-f14c-453d-b7c9-71631fc4ff9f" 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](https://dreetje-1.gitbook.io/inbox-ai/templating "mention") (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="https://2980396867-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fkm2shtnhVydyNEDdxbX1%2Fuploads%2FN0UGPF98OBd4FYJlew7h%2FCleanShot%202024-10-15%20at%2013.47.26%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7d42db37-4e93-4e23-b97e-f207ce88ea05" 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.