# Public variables

Public Variables are visible from outside the current workflow, and are used to provide instance-specific information when configuring the template for an Inbox.

To create public variables:

1. Navigate to metadata in the workflow.
2. Open the panel for public variables.
3. Create a new public variable.
4. Choose a name for the new public variable.
5. Confirm and create the new variable.

![](https://3419513391-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPTgZOYmpJka4jqs1v%2F-M-onOWJmJDlgONGcw8O%2F-M-oo3n316aj6prHLEcH%2Fhelp_root_applications_pubvar.PNG?alt=media\&token=ba384306-81bc-47d2-a4b3-0babe7b554de)

To assign a value to the public variable:

1. Navigate to Workflow->Public Variables in the main menu. 
2. Click on public variables.
3. Select your public variable and map it to a system variable.
4. Press ok to save changes.

![](https://3419513391-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPTgZOYmpJka4jqs1v%2F-M-onOWJmJDlgONGcw8O%2F-M-oo7mqkWVRrk-HETfu%2Fhelp_root_applications_mapvar.PNG?alt=media\&token=2710ef46-41dd-43db-903b-432b4b15cf68)

{% hint style="info" %}
Read more about [inboxes](https://help.novacuraflow.com/6.12/development/flow-studio/applications/menu/inbox)
{% endhint %}