Create an application in ServiceNow Studio

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated May 13, 2026
  • 3 minutes to read

    • Create a custom application in ServiceNow Studio, then add data, automation, or other app files using integrated development tools and builders.

    Before you begin

    As of version 27.1.2, both admins and users with Guided Application Creator (GAC) roles can create apps in ServiceNow Studio. To create a custom global app, the GAC user must have the Global role.

    Role required: admin or Guided Application Creator roles

    About this task

    Use the following steps to create an app manually, or use Build Agent to create your app through conversational interaction. For more information, see Build Agent in ServiceNow Studio.

    Procedure

    1. Navigate to All > App Engine > ServiceNow Studio.
    2. Select either the create icon create icon next to the Navigator panel or the Create button.
      There are two create buttons, one on either side of the screen. Select either Create button to start developing an app.
    3. Select App from the options that appear.
    4. Select how to create your app from the available options.
      Create your app independently, using Now Assist, or using Creator Studio. Select Explore the App Gallery to browse completed applications for reference.
      Note:
      To browse completed apps for reference, select Explore the App Gallery. After signing in with your ServiceNow credentials, you can access a library of apps and app files.
      How to createDescription
      On your own Create the application independently, adding content and files of your choosing.

      Select On your own > Continue and continue with step 5 in this procedure.
      With Now Assist, which opens Build Agent Begin a conversation with Build Agent to create your application.

      Select With Now Assist > Start a chat. The Build Agent chat panel opens. Select Create an application or describe what you want to build.

      For more information, see Create an application using Build Agent.
      With Creator Studio Use Creator Studio to create a simple request and fulfill application.

      Select With Creator Studio > Continue in Creator Studio to begin creating your application.

      For more information, see Building apps with Creator Studio.
    5. Enter the basic information for the app.
      Figure 1. Create an app — basic details
      Enter basic app details including name, description, logo, and scope.
      1. Enter a Name and Description for the application.
      2. Optional: Add a logo by dragging an image to the Browse or drag to upload field, or select the field, choose the image from your file directory, and select Open.
      3. Specify the Scope.
        • Scoped: The app does not interact with other data on the instance by default. The app can access and change its own tables and business logic, but other apps cannot unless you grant them explicit permission.
        • Global: All tables and business logic on the instance can interact with the app.
        For more information about working with scopes, see Application scope.
      4. Select Continue.
    6. Define user access to the app by adding roles.
      ServiceNow Studio automatically defines default admin and user roles. Remove the predefined roles or add more roles as needed. For more information about roles, see Managing roles.
      1. Select Add a role.
      2. Enter the Role name and Description.
      3. Repeat for each additional role you need to add.
      4. Select Continue.
      Note:
      At least one role is required to continue making updates to the application.
      Figure 2. Roles create user access to the app
      Define roles to control user access to the app.
    7. Continue building your app by creating a file or viewing the App details page.
      • Select Create file to add files to your application immediately.
      • Select View app details to open the App details page for your new app.
      Your new application is created and ready to develop further.

    What to do next

    Add application files, dependencies, and cross-scope privileges to your new application.

    Add a file to your app in ServiceNow Studio

    Add a file to your application immediately after creating it in ServiceNow Studio.

    Before you begin

    Role required: admin or delegated_developer

    About this task

    Use this procedure to add files immediately after creating an app. To create files from anywhere else in ServiceNow Studio, see Create an app file in ServiceNow Studio.

    Procedure

    1. On the app creation confirmation page, select Create file.
      Create a file directly after creating your application.
    2. Search for and select the file type you want to create.
      Note:
      Available file types depend on your permissions. If you do not see a file type you expect, contact your administrator.
      For more information about each available file type and category, see ServiceNow Studio Navigator panel taxonomy.
    3. Select Continue.
    4. Enter the details for the new app file in the form.
      The form fields vary depending on the file type.
    5. Select Submit.
      The new file is created and associated with your application.