> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cyberdesk.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Clear Values

> Use the __CLEAR__ sentinel value to intentionally clear an existing field before continuing

Use `__CLEAR__` when you want Cyberdesk to actively blank out a field instead of leaving its current value untouched.

`__CLEAR__` is explicit. Cyberdesk preserves it as the input value during validation, then turns it into a clear action only when a `type` step runs on the currently focused field.

## Simple Use Case

**Problem**: Some fields already contain text, and leaving an input blank is not enough when you want the final value to be empty.

**Solution**: Use `__CLEAR__` to clear the currently focused field with `ctrl+a backspace`.

## Example

```python theme={null}
# User wants to remove the pre-filled middle name
input_values = {"middle_name": "__CLEAR__"}
```

If a later workflow step types `{middle_name}` into the focused field, Cyberdesk sends the clear-field shortcut instead of typing the literal text `__CLEAR__`.

## How It Differs From `__EMPTY__`

* `__CLEAR__`: actively clears the current field
* `__EMPTY__`: skips typing and leaves the current field untouched
* omitted / blank / `null` optional values: do not clear the field unless you explicitly pass `__CLEAR__`

If you want skip behavior instead, see [Empty Values](/concepts/empty-values).

## When to Use

* **Pre-filled forms** where the field already contains a value
* **Resetting optional fields** that should end blank
* **Overriding machine defaults or existing UI state** with an intentionally empty result

## Best Practice

Use `__CLEAR__` only when the workflow step is actually typing into the correct focused field and you want the final visible value to be empty. Cyberdesk does not infer it from blank or omitted values; you must pass `__CLEAR__` explicitly. For plain skip behavior, use [Empty Values](/concepts/empty-values) instead.