# #-Variables

## :hash: What are #-Variables?

\#-Variables are essentially different pieces of data that **can be incorporated into any action** in FT CRM. They are dynamic and are used to **add additional information to your player engagements**.

You can easily identify variables according to their structure as the variable is enclosed by #'s. \
For example; a commonly used #-Variable, used to add a personal touch to communications, is **#Firstname#**. Using this variable, the first name of the player receiving the action, will replace the variable.

## :thinking: How do they work?

To put it short and simple, #-Variables pull values/information from the database.

{% hint style="success" %}
:bulb: **Example**: 

We are sending an email to a group of players. We are using the variable #Firstname# in an email subject. \
Player A, who is a part of the segment, has the first name **Michaela**.

Email Subject as written inside of the email action: \
Hey #Firstname#, check this out!

How the email subject will be received by Player A:\
Hey **Michaela**, check this out!
{% endhint %}

### Segment- or Trigger-based?

The variables pull values/information from different sources; either from the player segmentation or from the Trigger - that are being used by the specific Activity setup. 

When typing a # in any action field, the dropdown list displaying all the #-Variables available will appear. 

![#-Variable drop-down](https://3654650655-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MGrxN2ttYCb8JwJc2TS%2F-MhEADZLYLvKsJQkcjjz%2F-MhEAV3QtmGBfwGqJ7yd%2F%23-Variables_Displaying-Drop-down.gif?alt=media\&token=36a4a04f-24ed-45b4-99e3-8c64e622af79)

Any variable displaying the  :bust\_in\_silhouette: icon, indicates that the variable is pulling values from the segmentation.

Any variable displaying the :zap: icon, indicates that the variable is pulling values from the Trigger - these tend to have simple names, for example an activity using a casino Trigger will have Trigger-based Variables available such as:

* :zap: Amount (Total amount being wagered in User Currency)
* :zap: Balance Before/Balance After (Balance of the player, before and after event)
* :zap: Timestamp (Timestamp of the event)

{% hint style="warning" %}
Trigger-based Variables are located at the **bottom** of the dropdown menu! 
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
:man\_raising\_hand: **Please note:** 

:capital\_abcd: **The #-Variables are case sensitive**\
Eg. by writing #firstname# instead of #Firstname#, which is the correct variable, it will not pull the first name of the player and replace the variable. Instead, you'll be left with communication containing the text #firstname#.

:man\_mechanic: **John is our friend**\
When it comes to the variable #Firstname# in specific; when entering this value into an action field, where there's a preview available, you'll see that #Firstname# automatically will be replaced with the name **John** in the preview.\
When it does, it simply means that you've entered the correct first name variable.
{% endhint %}

## :tools: How do you set it up?

Implementing #-Variables in your player engagements are super easy. You simply enter the variable of your choice in any action field you'd like. 

You can either enter the #-Variable by typing it manually (please note again, the variables are case-sensitive), or else you can type and search for a variable. Simple write # and a drop-down list of the different variables available will appear for you to select the one of interest.  

![Search and select #-Variables](https://3654650655-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MGrxN2ttYCb8JwJc2TS%2F-MhEADZLYLvKsJQkcjjz%2F-MhEAq33XARx5jwMgQ6Z%2F%23-Variables_Search-and-Select.gif?alt=media\&token=9a39b258-e931-4777-9f7c-6da086d092c6)

{% hint style="warning" %}
:person\_raising\_hand: **Please note:**

**The #-Variables are only applicable in action fields**, meaning the fields you can find inside of actions you're setting up.\
\
**It's not possible to add the #-Variables inside of an Email Template.** As a workaround, you can use a placeholder in your Email Template and then add the #-Variable inside of the placeholder action field. Read more about [**placeholders**](https://www.fasttrack-solutions.com/en/resources/knowledge-base/ft-crm/organisation/email-templates#variables-and-how-to-use-them) and Email Templates [**here**](https://www.fasttrack-solutions.com/en/resources/knowledge-base/ft-crm/organisation/email-templates). 
{% endhint %}