# Add Variables to Steps

When using linked files (like your Attributes or regulatory databases), Protege AI automatically creates variables you can insert into policy steps for dynamic, context-aware reviews.

These variables can be used in multiple fields within a step, including:

* Explanation
* Prompt
* Keywords

#### To Add a Variable:

1. In the step editor, place your cursor in the field where you’d like to insert the variable (e.g., Explanation).

<figure><img src="https://2804394160-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FD9Htw9DUg294GuYmAyyj%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-9427003c23cceefb605c1c41f0548b128b35c616%2FScreenshot%202024-07-29%20at%2012.19.00%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Press the $ key to open the list of available variables.
2. Select the appropriate variable from the dropdown list — this variable pulls matching data from the linked file.
3. Once inserted correctly, the variable name will turn green, indicating it’s properly connected.

<figure><img src="https://2804394160-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FD9Htw9DUg294GuYmAyyj%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-10c7a21d59e88dacca568e1fe910934c304ba468%2FScreenshot%202024-07-29%20at%2012.21.24%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>