> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://developer.collibra.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://developer.collibra.com/workflows/designing-workflows/forms/start-forms/configuration-variables.md).
# Configuration variables
Configuration variables are the [process variables](/workflows/creating-workflows/workflow-basic-configuration-elements/process-variables.md) listed in the **Variables** section of the [workflow definition page](/workflows/managing-workflows-in-collibra/view-and-edit-workflow-definition-settings.md#variable) in Collibra, where you can edit them. These are usually variables that don’t change often but that you may want to configure after you publish the workflow. By using configuration variables, you don't need to modify the workflow definition file or ask the initiator of the workflow for input every time the workflow starts.
You can create configuration variables in your workflow definition file by adding [start form property](/workflows/designing-workflows/forms/start-forms.md) variables with the following properties:
* **Readable**: Clear this check box. The variable no longer appears in a start form dialog box but on the workflow definition page.
* **Default**: You must provide a default value for these variables. They are considered essential for the workflow progress and because the workflow initiator cannot see them, they must have an initial value. Collibra does not accept workflow definitions that have configuration variables without a default value.
If you want to assign a fixed value to a process variable at the start of the workflow that cannot be modified on the workflow definition page, clear the **Writable** check box. You can use and change the value of the variable throughout your workflow the same as any other process variable.
{% hint style="info" %}
If you republish a workflow, the configured variables remain the same. If you delete a workflow and then publish it again, the variables revert to the default values.
{% endhint %}
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