# create variable

/\* Title: Create a Variable Sort: 2 \*/

A variable can be used to store information to be used later in the conversation, in Flows, or to pass to Integrations that reference external services.

In the following step-by-step examples, we will :-

* [**Create an unassigned Variable**](https://humley.gitbook.io/humley-studio/enhance-assistant/variables/broken-reference)
* [**Create an entity-assigned Variable**](https://humley.gitbook.io/humley-studio/enhance-assistant/variables/broken-reference)

### Create an unassigned Variable

Unassigned variables are those that have not been assigned to an entity. They will inherit no entity values and so will store any input as free text.

Click **Create Variable**

Choose the **Unassigned** variable type from the sidebar

Enter in the sidebar -

* **Name** Name the variable. All variable names must be unique within the project.

Click **Create Variable** in the sidebar

Your new unassigned Variable will be displayed on the Variables list page

#### Variables created elsewhere in the platform

Variables can also be created elsewhere in the platform from a Search & Create field. Variables created this way will not be assigned to an entity, although you can assign it to an entity later - see **Change a Variable's type**.

### Create an entity-assigned Variable

Variables assigned to an entity will inherit that entity's properties and so will only accept input that matches that entity's text or pattern values (see **About Entities**).

Click **Create Variable**

Choose the **Entity** variable type from the sidebar

Enter in the sidebar -

* **Name** Name the variable. All variable names must be unique within the project.
* Select the **Entity** you wish to assign the Variable to

  **Search & Create field** In this field you can -

  * Click to select an existing entity from the dropdown list
  * Start typing the name of an existing entity to find it quickly. Click to select the desired entity when it appears.
  * Type the name of an entity that you wish to create. Click 'Create New Entity: \[entity name]' to create the new entity.

Click **Save Variable**

Your new Variable will be shown on the Variables list page
