> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.airdev.co/canvas/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.airdev.co/canvas/2.0.0-1/using-the-template/setup/features/hidden-variables-popup.md).

# Hidden variables popup

Each page has a popup called “Hidden variables” that holds data in the background that can be referenced by different elements on the page. This can be a useful technique for avoiding redundancy and maintaining clear organization.

![](/files/-Lqs-LCtN3aJ6LBtWpzP)

Variables are stored in two kinds of objects: **Groups** and **Repeating Groups**. These are more useful than custom states because they can have default data sources, conditional data sources, or have their data set by a workflow. We recommend naming each Group or RG `var - [Name of variable]` as opposed to the normal “Group …” convention. This way you can quickly search for the page variables to reference them from other elements.

The popup will always come with a `var - Website object` Group, so that you can quickly refer to any of the fields stored in the website object (e.g., the app name) Common uses for hidden variables include: 

1. the result of a URL parameter
2. search results that have to be referenced in multiple places, or
3. calculation results based on an input on the page

### How to use search results with this popup

Putting your searches in this popup will reduce redundancy if they are used in multiple places, as you can refer to one search and display the results in several places (when necessary).

![](/files/-LyU_3G5UzqT-3Ii1l2j)

Using a `Vertical scrolling` type repeating group will allow the search to load without downloading every entry from the search onto the page. This allows for better performance than a `Full List` type repeating group when you only need part of the search loaded for the visual display (e.g. for a dashboard displaying info but not showing 100% of the data).