# A variable with this name already exists

**What you are seeing**

Under **Name**: **A variable with this name already exists in this space**, or **A variable with this name already exists among global variables**. **Create** or **Save** will not go ahead.

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## Why it happens

Names must be unique within a scope, ignoring case. _Product Version_ and _product version_ count as the same name. The check runs while you type and again when you save.

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## What to do

* Search the catalogue for the name. If the existing variable is the one you want, use it instead of creating another.
* Otherwise choose a more specific name, for example _Product version (mobile)_.
* A space variable and a global variable may share a name, so creating it in the other scope also works.

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## Other messages near the name

| **Message**                                     | **What to do**                                                |
| ----------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Checking for duplicate names...                 | Wait a moment.                                                |
| Could not check for duplicate names. Try again. | Select **Save** again; it re-runs the check.                  |
| This name could not be checked for duplicates.  | You can still save. Check the catalogue yourself for a clash. |

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## Related

### [Variable types and values](https://help.gocapable.com/variables/variable-types-and-values.html)

Text, Number, User and Date.

### [Space and global variables](https://help.gocapable.com/variables/space-and-global-variables.html)

Where a variable lives.

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_Found it? Good._