# Helmut Variable ?

Helmut variables can be used across various streams. The variables need to be set up in the module preferences.

For further informations have a look here: [Helmut Variable](https://docs.helmut.de/helmut4-releases/v4.8.0/helmut4-components/helmutfx/preferences/helmut-variables)

This wildcard is replaced by the value of a variable that was defined in the Helmut preferences. The name/key of the variable is used as input.

### Use of the wildcard

The wildcard is used in the following ways:

* Variable key: test1
* Variable value: hello

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/cEm1TSe9cbcIGVFLrAGo/blobs/RpCQ00EESvUkc34I5wd7/image.png" alt=""><figcaption><p>Helmut variable set up in preferences</p></figcaption></figure>

* {helmut.variable.?}
* For the following input (?) --> test1
  * {helmut.variable.test1}
* The output is going to be --> hello

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/cEm1TSe9cbcIGVFLrAGo/blobs/bj5c9zePgV9oDaTi5HY2/image.png" alt="" width="349"><figcaption><p>Usage of a helmut variable</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
Any changes towards helmut variables in the preferences will be available to all nodes referring to the key/value.
{% endhint %}