> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.modelreef.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.modelreef.io/syntax/formula-syntax/selecting-variables-in-sidebar.md).

# Selecting Variables in Sidebar

{% hint style="info" %}
The sidebar is the easiest and safest way to reference variables in expressions.
{% endhint %}

This article explains how to select variables from the Formula editor sidebar in Model Reef.

You will learn:

* How variables are listed and grouped in the sidebar.
* How to insert variable references into formulas safely.
* How renaming variables interacts with formulas.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Variable listing in the sidebar

In the Formula editor sidebar, variables are usually:

* Grouped by branch, category or another logical scheme.
* Listed alphabetically within each group.
* Shown with both name and sometimes type, to help identification.

Only variables available in the current model and scenario are shown.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Inserting a variable into a formula

To insert a variable reference:

* Open the Formula editor.
* Locate the variable in the sidebar group.
* Click the variable name.

The reference is inserted into the expression area at the cursor position using the correct internal identifier. This avoids typos and broken links.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Searching for variables

If the sidebar supports search:

* Start typing part of the variable name in the search box.
* The list filters to matching variables.
* Click to insert once you find the right one.

Consistent naming makes search more effective in large models.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Behaviour when variables are renamed

Formulas refer to variables by internal identifiers, not by display names:

* When you rename a variable, any formulas that reference it continue to work.
* The Formula editor updates the display name in references automatically.

This lets you improve naming over time without breaking formulas.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Avoiding hard coding

Using the sidebar to reference variables is preferable to hard coding numbers because:

* It keeps logic centralised.
* Changes to a variable's time series automatically flow into dependent formulas.
* Reviewers can trace how values are built up by following variable references.

Whenever possible, use variable references instead of static constants for key relationships.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Related articles

* [Variables Syntax](/syntax/variables-syntax.md)
* [Period Selector](/syntax/understanding-the-interface/period-selector.md)
* [Dividend Variables: what is, rules, what it affects](/help/drivers-variables-and-timing/dividend-variables.md)
* [Build a Valuation Sensitivity Model](/how-tos/valuation/build-a-valuation-sensitivity-model.md)