---
title: "Variables"
description: "Insert {{token}} placeholders into a chat or automation prompt and Speak AI substitutes real values before the model runs."
---

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

# Variables

## What variables are


Variables are `#{{token}}` placeholders you can insert into a chat prompt or an automation prompt. Before the prompt reaches the AI model, Speak AI replaces each token with a real value from the current context, so you can write reusable prompts without hardcoding file names, dates, or user details.

## Available variables

- `#{{media_name}}`, the name of the media file(s) the chat is about. For multi-file chats, up to three names are listed and the rest are summarized.
- `#{{folder_name}}`, the name of the folder the chat or automation is scoped to.
- `#{{created_date}}`, the date the media file was created. For a date range, shows the earliest and latest date.
- `#{{current_date}}`, today's date (server time, ISO format).
- `#{{media_count}}`, the number of media files in the current chat.
- `#{{user_name}}`, the full name of the person running the chat.
- `#{{company_name}}`, the name of your workspace.

Not all tokens are available in every context. `#{{media_name}}` and `#{{created_date}}` are available in media and automation scopes. `#{{folder_name}}` is available in folder and automation scopes. `#{{current_date}}`, `#{{media_count}}`, `#{{user_name}}`, and `#{{company_name}}` are available everywhere.

## Insert a variable

There are two ways to add a variable to your prompt:

- **Variable picker button**, click the **+** icon in the chat toolbar to open a menu listing the tokens available for your current scope. Click any token to insert it at your cursor.
- **Type `#{{`** directly in the input box. An autocomplete menu appears showing matching tokens. Use the arrow keys to navigate and press **Enter** to insert, or press **Escape** to dismiss.

## Example prompt using variables

`Summarize #{{media_name}} recorded on #{{created_date}}. Write the summary in the voice of #{{user_name}} at #{{company_name}}.`

## Related articles

- [How to create custom AI Chat prompts](https://intercom.help/speak-ai/en/articles/6875284)
- [AI Chat prompts guide](https://intercom.help/speak-ai/en/articles/13122095)

The fastest way to reach us is the live chat in the app (the chat bubble in the bottom corner). You can also email [success@speakai.co](mailto:success@speakai.co).

Want a hand setting this up? [Book a free consult](https://calendly.com/speak-ai/consult?utm_source=docs&utm_campaign=consult) and we'll do it together on your account.

---
Related: [Automations](/help/automations/) · [Actions](/help/automations/actions/)

Source: https://docs.speakai.co/help/automations/variables/index.mdx