diff --git a/docs/it-manual/sre-playbook/server-environment-variables/README.md b/docs/it-manual/sre-playbook/server-environment-variables/README.md
index 9a2e124b..29034318 100644
--- a/docs/it-manual/sre-playbook/server-environment-variables/README.md
+++ b/docs/it-manual/sre-playbook/server-environment-variables/README.md
@@ -10,3 +10,11 @@ corresponding to the release is used to generate markdown documentation of the
 variables. The generated markdown files are added to this directoy. Use the
 left sidebar to see the available configuration variables for the CiviForm
 version you are deploying.
+
+Variables can have four different modes which determine where they are set and displayed:
+1. "Admin writeable" variables should be set in the admin settings panel which is accessible in CiviForm when logged in as an admin. These variables should NOT be set in your deployment config and setting them there will have no affect on the app.
+2. "Admin readable" variables should be set in your deployment config file. The values for these variables can be seen in the admin settings panel, but not changed there.
+3. "Server setting" variables should be set in your deployment config file and are not visible in the admin settings panel.
+4. "Managed secret" variables should be set in your cloud provider's secrets manager. These are not visible in the admin settings panel.
+
+A variable's mode is listed in between the variable name and its description in the server environment variable documentation that is generated on each release and saved in this directory (for example [v1.51.0](https://docs.civiform.us/it-manual/sre-playbook/upgrading-to-a-new-release/server-environment-variables/v1.51.0)).