--- sourceDocument: Australia Build or modify applications sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/application-development Release : - australia ft:locale : - en-US ft:publication_title : - Australia Build or modify applications ft:clusterId : - cadev bundleId : - cadev workflow : - Development, Data, and Analytics --- # ServiceNow Studio and legacy products # ServiceNow Studio and legacy products {#ariaid-title1} Release version: Australia Updated May 6, 2026 ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read Summarize ![AI sparkle icon](https://servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ai-sparkle-icon) Summarized using AI This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. ## Summary of ServiceNow Studio and legacy products ServiceNow Studio is the unified development environment replacing both the Guided Application Creator (GAC) and the legacy Studio product as of the November 2024 release. It enables continued app development on the ServiceNow AI Platform with enhanced tools and a consistent interface. Both legacy products are deprecated but remain supported until a future release. Show full answer Show less ## Key Features * **Unified environment:** Access all development tools in one place with consistent navigation and metadata taxonomy, allowing seamless switching between tools without leaving ServiceNow Studio. * **Compatibility:** Apps created with Guided Application Creator or legacy Studio are fully compatible with ServiceNow Studio. * **Enhanced deployment management:** Use update sets or pipelines to manage app deployment efficiently. * **Integrated ServiceNow Otto support:** Native access to generative AI capabilities and low-code development tools. * **ServiceNow IDE integration:** Since version 29.2.11, IDE capabilities are integrated into ServiceNow Studio to support source code app building. ## Changes and Role Management * The legacy option to allow app editing in Studio does not apply to the new ServiceNow Studio; any global, scoped, or custom app with edit permission can be opened in the new Studio. * GAC app creation permissions are not supported directly in ServiceNow Studio as of November 2024. Users with GAC permissions should create apps in legacy Studio first, then open and edit them in ServiceNow Studio. * Initial visibility of core features like the Search bar and Create \> App/File options depends on creating a scoped app first. After creating an app and associated metadata, refresh the browser to access these features. * Role assignments are important to control access and visibility of features within ServiceNow Studio. ## Practical Implications for ServiceNow Customers Customers transitioning from Guided Application Creator or legacy Studio can seamlessly move to ServiceNow Studio without additional configuration. This transition provides a modernized, AI-enabled development environment that supports efficient app creation, editing, and deployment. Understanding the role and permissions changes will help customers manage user access and leverage the full capabilities of the new Studio environment. If you previously used Guided Application Creator or the legacy Studio product to develop apps, use ServiceNow Studio to continue your app development. ServiceNow Studio replaces both products with a unified development environment on the ServiceNow AI Platform. ## Deprecated applications {#servicenow-studio-and-legacy-products__section_akj_jwn_zcc} Guided Application Creator (GAC) and legacy Studio are both deprecated as of the November 2024 release. No additional configuration is required to switch to ServiceNow Studio. Apps created in both legacy products are compatible with ServiceNow Studio. Note: GAC permissions for app creation are not supported in ServiceNow Studio in the November 2024 release. If you have GAC permissions and want to create an app, create the app in legacy Studio, then open and edit the app in ServiceNow Studio. Contact your company admin for more information. Both Guided Application Creator (GAC) and legacy Studio are supported until a future release. ## What does ServiceNow Studio improve over legacy products? {#servicenow-studio-and-legacy-products__section_wvp_bzn_zcc} ServiceNow Studio provides a unified environment where you can find, organize, and edit your work using a consistent navigation structure and metadata taxonomy. Every development tool you need is accessible in one place, so you can switch between tools without leaving ServiceNow Studio. When your app is ready to deploy, manage the deployment using update sets or pipelines. ServiceNow Studio also includes native support for ServiceNow Otto, providing access to generative AI capabilities and low-code development tools. As of version 29.2.11, ServiceNow IDE capabilities have been integrated into ServiceNow Studio. For more information, see [Building apps in source code in ServiceNow Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/azwUD18~uE3jVxICjCF0rw "Developing and maintaining applications in source code enables you to create and modify complex applications, manage code in source control more easily, and catch errors at build time."). ## ServiceNow Studio and changed functionality {#servicenow-studio-and-legacy-products__section_wpk_z1x_jfc} In the record for each app created on the ServiceNow AI Platform, there is an option to allow the app to be edited in legacy Studio. However, this option does not apply to the new ServiceNow Studio. Any global, scoped, or custom app you have permission to edit can be edited in ServiceNow Studio. The Can Edit Application in Studio option on each app record does not apply to the new ServiceNow Studio. ## How do GAC roles work in ServiceNow Studio? {#servicenow-studio-and-legacy-products__section_ef5_5zs_kdc} Some features in ServiceNow Studio become available only after you create a scoped application. If you are new to ServiceNow Studio, the Search bar and CreateApp/File options may not be visible initially. This is expected behavior. To get started, select Create and create your scoped app. On the App details page, select Create to create metadata files and associate them to your app. After you create your application, return to the ServiceNow Studio home page and refresh the browser. The Search bar and CreateApp/File options are now available for scoped application development. For more information about roles, see [Assign a role to a user](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=t_AssignARoleToAUser&version=australia&pubname=australia-platform-administration&ft:locale=en-US). *[\>]: and then