# Can Ansible reference pre-existing CloudFormation stacks?

**URL:** <https://forum.ansible.com/t/can-ansible-reference-pre-existing-cloudformation-stacks/21027>\
**Category:** Ansible Project\
**Created:** [March 31, 2016, 3:37am UTC](https://forum.ansible.com/t/can-ansible-reference-pre-existing-cloudformation-stacks/21027 "2016-03-31T03:37:28Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![vjorgensen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f07891/32.png) [@vjorgensen](https://forum.ansible.com/u/vjorgensen)\
**Post date:** [March 31, 2016, 3:37am UTC](https://forum.ansible.com/t/can-ansible-reference-pre-existing-cloudformation-stacks/21027/1 "2016-03-31T03:37:28Z")

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Hi! I have an ansible playbook that looks something like the one below (edited for brevity). I have another CloudFormation stack created by another process outside my control that creates many common references. Is there a way to make “common\_stack” a variable such that “{{ common\_stack.stack\_outputs. }}” behaves as though the other stack had been created inside this playbook? I have the ARN and stack name, if that helps. If not, how have others solved this problem? Best, Vincent