Use this reference to find workflow variables and understand where they come from.
When you configure a field that accepts workflow data, type @ to open the variable picker. The picker shows the values available at that point in the workflow.
Variable categories
| Category | Description |
| Workflow inputs | Data provided when the workflow starts. |
| Action outputs | Data produced by earlier workflow actions. |
| State variables | Values saved by Set State actions. |
| List items | The current item being processed by Process List. |
| Workflow context | Contextual values available to AI prompt fields. |
Workflow inputs
Workflow inputs are created by the Start action.
| Variable | Example path |
| Employee ID | $.inputs.employeeId |
| Request type | $.inputs.requestType |
| Manager | $.inputs.manager |
Action outputs
Action outputs are produced by actions that return data.
Common examples include Agent, Run Tool, Transform, and event-based Wait actions.
| Output | Example path |
| Start date | $.TimeOffAgent.startDate |
| Request ID | $.CreateRequest.requestId |
| Approval status | $.ManagerApproval.status |
State variables
State variables are created by Set State actions.
| Variable | Example path |
| Resume token | $resumeToken |
| Request number | $requestNumber |
| Manager ID | $managerId |
State variables remain available after the action that creates them, so you can reuse them later in the workflow.
List items
List item variables are available inside Process List actions.
| Variable | Description |
| $.item | Current list item |
| $.outerItem | Parent item in a nested Process List |
| $.outerOuterItem | Grandparent item in a nested Process List |
These variables aren't available outside the relevant Process List.
Workflow context
Workflow context values provide information to AI prompt fields.
| Variable | Description |
| $datetime | Current date and time |
| $companyName | Customer company name |
| $brandName | Customer-facing brand name |
| $toneOfVoice | Configured AI tone of voice |
Variable availability
A variable becomes available after the action or event that provides it.
| Variable type | Available after |
| Workflow inputs | Start runs |
| Action outputs | The producing action completes |
| State variables | Set State executes |
| List items | The workflow enters Process List |
Variable paths
When you select a variable using @, Applaud uses its underlying variable path.
For example:
$.inputs.employeeId
$.CreateRequest.requestId
$requestNumber
$.item
You normally don't need to type these paths yourself.