# Helmut Variables

Helmut variables can be used within the streams or preferences to dynamically replace a key with a value. Alternatives to this variables are [Store Variables](/helmut4-releases/v4.8.0/helmut4-components/streamdesigner/stream-variable-store.md) or [Temporary Variables](/helmut4-releases/v4.8.0/helmut4-components/streamdesigner/nodes/actions/misc/stream-set-temporary-variable-action.md).

Those variables can be used for dynamic cascades and reduce the amount of static paths.\
\
**Example**

Path of AME Application in AME Render Node: /Applications/Adobe Media Encoder 2023/Adobe Media Encoder 2023.app\
\
By using a helmut variable this can be changed to the following

<figure><img src="/files/hNsEqKvLgHFufxGhKhCu" alt=""><figcaption><p>Helmut variable in preferences</p></figcaption></figure>

After setting up this variable the new path would be: {helmut.variable.AME Path}

Please have a look into [Helmut Variable ?](/helmut4-releases/v4.8.0/helmut4-components/streamdesigner/wildcards/variable-related-wildcards-3/helmut-variable.md) for a detailed information how to use the dedicated wildcard.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Helmut variables ***ARE case sensitive*** - please pay attention for correct usage\
"AME Path" & "AME path" would give you two different results
{% endhint %}


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