# Map data between steps

**Category:** [Orchestration](https://help.totalctrl.app/hc/totalctrl/totalctrl-help-center/en-US/categories/orchestration)
**Updated:** 2026-08-19

## Passing data through a workflow

The power of a workflow is using data from the trigger — or from an earlier action — inside a later action. Orchestration does this with **template variables** written in double curly braces.
## Reference the trigger

Use `{{trigger.field}}` to insert a value from the event that started the workflow. For example, if a form submission includes an email address, you might put `{{trigger.email}}` into the recipient field of a Send Email action.
## Reference an earlier step

Each action produces output that later steps can use. Reference it by step, for example `{{step_2.task_id}}` or `{{step_2.invoice_number}}`. Steps are numbered in order, starting with the trigger as step 1.
## Nested values

You can drill into nested data with dots, such as `{{trigger.body.customer.name}}`. If a referenced value doesn't exist, it resolves to an empty string rather than breaking the run.
## Tips

- Variables work in any text configuration field, including subjects, message bodies, and URLs.
- Use **Test Run** to confirm your variables resolve correctly — the step results show the exact output each step produced.
- Inbound webhook payloads are exposed both under `{{trigger.body...}}` and as top-level keys, so `{{trigger.email}}` works for a JSON body with an `email` field.

For building the steps themselves, see [Create your first workflow](create-your-first-workflow).

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## Related Articles

- [Delays: pause a workflow for minutes, hours, or days](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/flow-control-delays)
- [Orchestration Overview](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/orchestration-overview)
- [Connect an app](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/connect-an-app-1)
- [Build your first workflow](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/build-your-first-workflow)
- [Filters: stop a run when conditions aren't met](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/flow-control-filters)

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