Input and output variables

  • 5 minutes

While Power Automate for desktop can work autonomously, you may need to exchange data with other products of the Power Automate platform.

Power Automate for desktop provides this functionality through the input and output variables. Using these variables, you can pass data to and from Power Automate for desktop and develop sophisticated flows.

This feature creates unlimited potentialities allowing you to make the most out of the platform and create a complete automation solution.

Note

You can find more information about passing data between Power Automate for desktop and Power Automate in Link a Power Automate desktop flow with a cloud flow.

To create an input or output variable, select the + button in the variables pane, and choose the respective option.

Screenshot of the button to add a new input or output variable.

In the appeared dialog, you have to populate various fields, such as the variable's name and the external name, the default value, and a description.

The Variable name represents the variable's name in the flow, while the External name represents the name used outside the flow in Power Automate.

Screenshot of the Variable name and External name fields in the Add a new input variable dialog.