> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.innflow.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Environment Variables

> Store secrets and configuration values that your workflows can reference

Environment variables let you store sensitive values (API keys, tokens, configuration strings) outside of your workflow definitions. Reference them in any node without hardcoding secrets.

## Creating an Environment Variable

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Settings">
    Navigate to **Settings → Environment Variables**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a variable">
    Click **New Variable**. Enter a name and value.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Use in workflows">
    Reference the variable in any node configuration field.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Naming Rules

Environment variable names must:

* Start with an **uppercase letter**
* Contain only **uppercase letters, numbers, and underscores**
* Be at most **100 characters**

**Examples:** `API_KEY`, `SLACK_TOKEN`, `DATABASE_URL`

## Security

* Values are **encrypted at rest** and never displayed in plain text after creation
* When editing a variable, you must re enter the value (the current value is not shown)
* Variables are scoped to your workspace and not shared across workspaces

## Using in Workflows

Environment variables are available through the variable picker in any node configuration field. Select from the environment variables section to inject the value at runtime.