---
sourceDocument: Australia Operational Technology Management
sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/operational-technology

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia Operational Technology Management

ft:clusterId :

    - optm

bundleId :

    - optm

workflow :

    - Technology


---

# Variables page

# Variables {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated March 12, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read
Summarize  
![AI sparkle icon](https://servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ai-sparkle-icon) Summarized using AI  
This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete.  

## Summary of Variables

The Variables page in your ServiceNow system lists all available variable sets used primarily for Auto Query scans.
Variables can be associated with specific Sites, with each Site linked to a single Variable set, though a Variable set can contain multiple variables.
The page allows you to search, create, edit, and delete variable sets.
Show full answer Show less  

## Key Features

* **Variable Indicators:** A green bracket-dot icon indicates a variable is usable for auto queries; white means it is not. A green lock icon shows that the variable's password is encrypted and obscured for security.
* **Special Variable Sets:** There are two special sets:
  * **Custom - Global:** Editable by users to override default settings indirectly.
  * **Driver - Global:** Read-only default set used if no overrides are defined.
  Custom - Global and Site-specific variable sets can be used to override Driver - Global settings.
* **Query Behavior:** Auto Query scans first check for Site-specific variable overrides, then Custom - Global overrides, and finally default to Driver - Global if no overrides exist.
* **Import/Export:** Variable sets can be imported or exported in JSON or CSV formats. Exporting encrypted password variables as plain text removes their security by exposing the values.

## Practical Actions

* **Create Variable Sets:** You can create general or Site-specific variable sets for Auto Query scans, enabling tailored configurations per Site.
* **Edit Variable Sets:** Modify existing variable sets to update variable values or override defaults as needed.
* **Manage Security:** Be cautious when exporting encrypted variables---exporting passwords as plain text compromises security.

These capabilities allow ServiceNow customers to customize and secure Auto Query scans effectively across multiple Sites, ensuring precise and secure data handling aligned with organizational needs.  
The Variables page provides a list of currently available variable sets.

## Variable overview {#variables__section_sds_wst_5gc}

The Variables page displays the available Variable sets on your system. It provides a Search Variables field above the variable list.

You can also create new variable
sets. Variables are used for Auto Query scans and can be associated to a specific Site.
The columns on the page are:

* The bracket dot icon ![]() and lock icon ![]() appear in the row next to the variable listing. When the bracket-dot symbol appears green next to the variable's name, the variable can be used for auto queries. When white, the variable can't be used for auto queries. The green lock indicates that the variable password is encrypted.  
  Note:  
  Encrypted Variable values in Variable Sets are obscured.
* Name
* Description
* Sites display the name of the site to which the variable is associated.  
  Note:  
  A Site can only be associated with a single Variable set, but a Variable set can contain many variables.
* Variables (number of variables)
* Tools
  * Select the pencil icon ![]() to edit the variable set.
  * Select the trash can icon ![]() to delete the variable set.
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<br />

## Special Variable sets {#variables__section_wh1_pz5_5hc}

There are the following special variable sets:

* Custom - Global
* Driver - Global
{#variables__ul_abr_rxl_23c}The Custom-Global variable set can be edited by a user while the Driver - Global is read-only. The Custom - Global variable sets can be used to override indirectly the Driver - Global variable sets.  

<br />

You can use variable sets (Custom - Global or Site-specific sets) to override a Variable set. See [Edit a Variable set](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/4g6Zpa9aQHnVmJqDrxi9oQ "Edit a Variable set for an Auto Query scan created in the Discovery Console for OT.") or [Create a Site-specific Variable set to use with Auto Query](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/xbyVGSs7MU_tT6~WdAGlVQ "Create a Site-specific Variable set for use in Auto Queries.") for more information on editing a Variable set.

## Query Behavior {#variables__section_fyl_txl_23c}

During a query, the query configuration is reviewed to see which Sites are being targeted. The query then searches to see if any Site-specific variable set override is defined. If no override is defined, it then searches to see if
any Custom - Global override is defined. If it doesn't find a custom override, the query uses the default variable set from the Driver - Global.

## Importing or exporting Variables sets {#variables__section_idc_r2m_rhc}

You can import or export variable sets. You can select either the JSON or CSV formats. Select Actions to import or export.  

When you export Variable sets in either JSON or CSV format, you're prompted to include encrypted password variables. If you select yes, the values are exported as plain text. If you select no, the export excludes encrypted password variables.  

If the encrypted password is exported as plain text, it is no longer hidden and secure.  
Note:  
Encrypted Variable values in Variable Sets are obscured. Encrypted values display as dots when set to encrypted.

<br />

Note:  
For information on creating a Site-specific Variable set, refer to [Create a Site-specific Variable set](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/HeAhHaOo3f59NOWfM9h~gQ "Create a Site-specific Variable for use in Auto Queries. You can use the Variable as a credential for your Site.").
* **[Create a Variable set](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/AMy6i5oIGu72Zjh3aeqYFQ)**   
  Create a Variable set for an Auto Query scan created in the Discovery Console for OT.
* **[Edit a Variable set](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/4g6Zpa9aQHnVmJqDrxi9oQ)**   
  Edit a Variable set for an Auto Query scan created in the Discovery Console for OT.
* **[Create a Site-specific Variable set to use with Auto Query](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/xbyVGSs7MU_tT6~WdAGlVQ)**   
  Create a Site-specific Variable set for use in Auto Queries.