# Board variables

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.arcweave.com/llms.txt). All pages are also available in one file, [llms-full.txt](https://docs.arcweave.com/llms-full.txt).

Source: https://docs.arcweave.com/project-items/variables/board
Section: Project Items > Variables
Description: How to create, manage, and use board-scoped variables in Arcweave

Arcscript examples: Arcscript has no delimiters, so never wrap code in `${ }`, `{{ }}`, `<< >>` or similar markers. An `arcscript` code block contains only code: each line is one segment, and a branch condition is a single expression without `if` or `endif`. An `arcweave-html` code block is element or connection label content as Arcweave stores it, the HTML that the REST API and MCP server accept: `<p>` for text, `<p></p>` for an empty line, and each Arcscript segment in its own `<pre><code>` block, with `<` written as `&lt;`. An element passed to `visits()` is written as element mention markup; replace `ELEMENT_ID` with the element ID.

Board variables are **String Field**, **Boolean**, **Integer**, or **Float** [attributes](https://docs.arcweave.com/project-items/attributes) added to a board. These types appear in the **Variables** group of the **Add attribute** menu because Arcscript treats them as variables scoped to that board.

![Arcweave project environment showing an element and a branch that both include the board variable "items.battle_axe"](https://docs.arcweave.com/assets/variables-board-usage.C9PMguxY.png)

Use a board variable from anywhere in the project by joining the board's **custom ID** and the variable's **custom ID** with a dot:

```arcscript
castle.drawbridge_open = true
```

Unqualified names resolve global variables only. For example, `health` and `castle.health` can coexist and store different values.

## Create board variables

Context: Arcweave docs > Project Items > Variables > Board variables > Create board variables

1. Right-click a regular board in the **Boards** section of the sidebar.
2. Select **Attributes** to open the **Board attributes dialog**.
3. Click **Add attribute** and select **String Field**, **Boolean**, **Number > Integer**, or **Number > Float** from the **Variables** group.
4. Enter the variable's label and initial value.

The board already has a custom ID generated when the board was created. Arcweave generates the variable's custom ID from its label. Their Arcscript reference appears as `board_custom_id.variable_custom_id`.

Board folders cannot contain attributes or variables.

## Use board variables

Context: Arcweave docs > Project Items > Variables > Board variables > Use board variables

Board variables can be read and changed from anywhere in the project. Their board custom ID is a namespace, not an access restriction.

See [Common use cases](https://docs.arcweave.com/project-items/variables/overview#common-use-cases) for assignment, branch, and dynamic-text examples.

## Edit board and variable custom IDs

Context: Arcweave docs > Project Items > Variables > Board variables > Edit board and variable custom IDs

The board's custom ID appears below the title of the **Board attributes dialog**. Select it to edit the scope used by all variables on that board.

To edit a variable's custom ID, open its three-dot menu and select **Edit Custom ID**. The variable label is for people reading the project; its custom ID is the member name used in Arcscript.

Renaming either the board or attribute custom ID updates existing Arcscript references automatically. Custom IDs cannot be empty and must follow the [variable naming rules](https://docs.arcweave.com/project-items/variables/overview#variable-names-and-custom-ids).

## Manage board variables

Context: Arcweave docs > Project Items > Variables > Board variables > Manage board variables

Boards with attributes display an **attributes button** next to their name in the sidebar. Select it to open the **Board attributes dialog** directly. From there, you can:

- Search and filter attributes.
- Drag variables to reorder them.
- Rename a variable or edit its custom ID from its three-dot menu.
- Delete a variable from its three-dot menu.

See [Attributes](https://docs.arcweave.com/project-items/attributes) for full instructions.

## Find and debug board variables

Context: Arcweave docs > Project Items > Variables > Board variables > Find and debug board variables

Project [Search](https://docs.arcweave.com/project-tools/search) can find a board variable by its label or custom ID and open the **Board attributes dialog** for its owning board.

In Play Mode, the Debugger groups board variables under the board's name and custom ID and shows their current values.

See [Play Mode](https://docs.arcweave.com/project-tools/play-mode/overview) > [Debugger](https://docs.arcweave.com/project-tools/play-mode/debugger) for full instructions.