---
title: Define script variables for a topic
description: Use the Variables sidebar to define script variables for a topic. Script variables can store information that is not found in ServiceNow tables. This information can then be shared elsewhere in a topic.
locale: en-US
canonical_url: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/conversational-interfaces/virtual-agent/define-script-variables-topic.html
release: australia
product: Virtual Agent
classification: virtual-agent
topic_type: task
last_updated: "2026-03-12"
reading_time_minutes: 1
keywords: [Variables, sidebar, script, topic, Virtual Agent designer]
breadcrumb: [Creating a Virtual Agent topic, Getting started with the Asset library in Assistant Designer, Build and deploy, Virtual Agent, Conversational Interfaces]
---

# Define script variables for a topic

Use the Variables sidebar to define script variables for a topic. Script variables can store information that is not found in ServiceNow tables. This information can then be shared elsewhere in a topic.

## Before you begin

Role required: virtual\_agent\_admin or admin

## About this task

For more information about writing scripts for Virtual Agent, see [Virtual Agent scripts](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/conversational-interfaces/virtual-agent/virtual-agent-scripts.md).

## Procedure

1.  Navigate to **All** > **Conversational Interfaces** > **Assistant Designer**.

2.  Select the **Asset library** tab.

3.  Open an existing topic or create a new one.

    The **Flow** tab displays the conversation flow.

4.  In the sidebar, select the Variables tab, then select the **Script** plus \[Omitted image "icon-plus-clear.png"\] Alt text: Script plus icon. icon.

5.  On the form, fill in the fields.

    |Field|Description|
    |-----|-----------|
    |Variable name|Name of the variable. The name is case-sensitive. Spaces in the name are replaced with an underscore character.|
    |Default value|Default value for the variable. You can use either a static value or a script that specifies a dynamic value for this variable.|

6.  Select **Save**.


**Parent Topic:**[Creating a Virtual Agent topic](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/conversational-interfaces/virtual-agent/create-virtual-agent-topic.md)