--- 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 for AES developers # ServiceNow Studio for App Engine Studio (AES) developers {#ariaid-title1} Release version: Australia Updated March 12, 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 for App Engine Studio (AES) developers ServiceNow Studio offers advanced development capabilities for developers familiar with App Engine Studio (AES), while maintaining core features they already use. It provides a different organizational layout but supports key AES functionalities like app creation, source control integration, and collaboration, helping developers transition smoothly to a more powerful development environment. Show full answer Show less ## Key Features * **App Management:** Not all apps are visible by default upon opening ServiceNow Studio. Developers can find their apps via the Navigator panel under the Apps section by filtering for custom apps. Bookmarking apps, files, and lists is supported for quick access. * **File Handling:** ServiceNow Studio supports all four AES file categories---Data, Experiences, Logic and Automation, and Security---plus additional file types. Unlike AES, files can be created directly from the home page with the application specified afterwards, improving workflow flexibility. Files define app functionality, such as business rules or AI automation. * **Scope Management:** The application scope in ServiceNow Studio updates automatically based on the current app context, eliminating the need for manual switching. The current scope and update set are clearly displayed for each open app. Some builders, like Table Builder, override automatic scope control and notify users accordingly. * **App Templates and References:** ServiceNow Studio does not include AES-style application templates. Instead, it offers an App Gallery containing example apps and metadata files as references. These examples assist developers in understanding app structure but cannot be used to create apps directly. ## Practical Benefits for ServiceNow Customers * Leverage advanced development tools while retaining familiar AES features for efficient app building and management. * Benefit from enhanced file creation workflows and automatic scope handling, reducing complexity and improving productivity. * Use the App Gallery to explore example apps and metadata, aiding learning and reference without relying on templates. * Access integrated source control and collaboration tools to support team-based development within ServiceNow Studio. If you currently develop in App Engine Studio, use ServiceNow Studio to access advanced development capabilities while retaining the core features you already use. ServiceNow Studio is organized differently from App Engine Studio. Use the following sections to find the features you are familiar with from App Engine Studio. ## What features work the same way in ServiceNow Studio? {#servicenow-studio-for-aes-developers__section_f5m_2mr_vgc} Several key features from AES work the same way in ServiceNow Studio, including app creation, source control integration, and collaboration. For more information, see the following topics. * [Create an application in ServiceNow Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/l~jtNWgTAHUbQnqxpIKBgw#create-an-application-in-servicenow-studio "Create a custom application in ServiceNow Studio, then add data, automation, or other app files using integrated development tools and builders.") * [Source control integration in ServiceNow Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/sb~CqGoEnDvUCdOMxp1I4g "Link your application to a Git source control repository in ServiceNow Studio to save, manage, and share multiple versions of a global or scoped application from a non-production instance.") * [Collaborating on apps using ServiceNow Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/TOhT7VbesSpice~saoxaVQ "Collaborate with other developers on app development in ServiceNow Studio by inviting them to co-create and develop apps with you.") {#servicenow-studio-for-aes-developers__ul_dgm_pmr_vgc} ## Where are my apps? {#servicenow-studio-for-aes-developers__section_fcz_xwd_1fc} When you first open ServiceNow Studio, not all of your apps are visible by default. To find them, open the Navigator panel, select the Apps section, and filter for custom apps. To access frequently used apps, app files, and lists quickly, bookmark them. For more information, see [Bookmark apps and files in ServiceNow Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/DlI5KKUNN0mdWOdaqa4YlQ "Bookmark apps and app files in ServiceNow Studio so you can access them quickly from the Bookmarks tab in the Navigator panel.") and [Bookmark lists in ServiceNow Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/dBGhsavWxY_EauGh04gnaw "Bookmark lists in ServiceNow Studio so you can return to them quickly from the Bookmarks tab in the Navigator panel."). ## How do I work with different file types in ServiceNow Studio? {#servicenow-studio-for-aes-developers__section_zq2_2mr_vgc} In AES, you can create files in four categories: Data, Experiences, Logic and Automation, and Security. ServiceNow Studio supports all four of those categories and many additional file types. Unlike AES, where you must be inside an app to create a file, ServiceNow Studio lets you create files from the home page and specify the application afterward. You can also select Add next to any category on the App details page to create a file of that type. App files define how an application functions. For example, add a business rule to perform server-side actions when a record changes, or add AI files to automate tasks. For more information about file types and how to work with them, see the following topics. * [Create an app file in ServiceNow Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/Tlv0dYw7TbXtIq7yhKWDuA "Create an app file in ServiceNow Studio to define how an aspect of an application functions — such as which users can access it or how it processes data.") * [Metadata app file categories in the ServiceNow Studio Navigator](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/2MEDmDzPvjBVtXPh7wNDCA "Use ServiceNow Studio to access and work with all metadata types that the ServiceNow AI Platform supports, from automations and integrations to user interface files.") * [ServiceNow Studio Navigator panel taxonomy](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/9Bs8oqJ10yBcmwggAwKfaQ "Reference each metadata file type and its corresponding primary table in the File categories tab of the ServiceNow Studio Navigator panel.") {#servicenow-studio-for-aes-developers__ul_ul4_crr_vgc} ## How does scope work in ServiceNow Studio? {#servicenow-studio-for-aes-developers__section_y1h_htr_vgc} In ServiceNow Studio, the scope updates automatically based on which app you are working in --- you do not need to switch it manually. The current scope and update set appear at the bottom left of the page for each open application. Some builders override automatic scope switching. For example, when you use Table Builder to edit a form or table file, a message indicates that the scope is controlled by the builder. For more information, see [Open apps and app files across scopes in ServiceNow Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/GZ39eNATCfNKn4n1lkM5NQ "Open and edit apps and app files in any scope — global or custom — in ServiceNow Studio. The current scope displays at the bottom of the screen and updates automatically when you switch to an app in a different scope.") and [Access integrated development tools and builders in ServiceNow Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/lolwQfWpxHP5cpK8X~1jzQ "Access development tools and builders directly in ServiceNow Studio so you can build apps without switching between interfaces. Open any file type to launch the correct tool or builder automatically."). ## Where are app templates? {#servicenow-studio-for-aes-developers__section_acp_51s_vgc} AES provides a library of application templates for creating apps. ServiceNow Studio does not have templates, but the App Gallery provides examples of completed apps and metadata files you can use for reference. To access the App Gallery, select CreateApp and select the App Gallery link on the right side of the page. Note: The App Gallery is for reference only. You cannot create an application directly from App Gallery files as you would from a template in AES. *[\>]: and then