---
sourceDocument: Australia Build workflows
sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/build-workflows

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia Build workflows

ft:clusterId :

    - crworkflow

bundleId :

    - crworkflow

workflow :

    - Creator


---

# Add dynamic inputs to an activity

# Add dynamic inputs to an activity {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Australia
* 
* Updated March 12, 2026
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read

Configure your activity to show a certain set of fields based on the value of another input, such as a selected catalog item, selected decision table, or even a REST API response.

## Before you begin

Role required: playbook.admin, pd_author, action_designer, flow_designer, admin  
Familiarize yourself with the other Workflow Studio components. [Dynamic inputs](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/iGEc5GaoqBDUWClann~Qmg#getting-started-dynamic-input "Create a sample action that illustrates using all available types of dynamic inputs in a flow.") are created with actions and subflows:

1. In the ServiceNow AI Platform, you will create a new data definition for the dynamic input fields you want to add to an activity.
2. In Workflow Studio, you will create a data gathering action.
3. Still in Workflow Studio, you will create a subflow or another action with a dynamic input to consume the first action. This subflow or new action creates a JSON schema that represents the field(s) you want to add to an activity.
4. In the ServiceNow AI Platform, you will create an activity definition using the subflow or action with the dynamic input.
{#add-dynamic-inputs-to-activity__ol_lq2_hks_d1c}

Once your activity definition is created, Playbooks authors can add and configure activities with the dynamic inputs.

## About this task

A dynamic input is an input that changes based on another input. In Workflow Studio
Playbooks, you can present multiple dynamic inputs based on another input.

## Example {#add-dynamic-inputs-to-activity__section_zfh_hjy_21c}

When a user requests catalog items, you can dynamically present a list of catalog variables based on the selected catalog item.

1. The first input required is for the Catalog Item field.  

2. A user selects iPad mini in the Catalog item field.  

3. Two (2) additional fields for color and storage options appear in response to the user selecting an iPad mini as the Catalog Item.  

{#add-dynamic-inputs-to-activity__ol_och_4hy_21c}

## Procedure

1. Navigate to AllWorkflow Studio and select Actions.
2. [Create an action to add an input.](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/eMO2BPSLHkPLtdfz1xJ3HQ "Create a data gathering action to create arbitrary action inputs using a dynamic inputs type input.")  
   The input appears under the Script stepInput Variables section. The JSON under the Script section should include the new input.
3. In the Outputs section, click Edit Outputs to make sure that the value of the Name field is output, and that JSON is the selected in the Type drop-down field.
4. [Create a subflow](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/7jAqeN4sVKi_m~WDCkNaFQ "Reuse an entire flow's content as a subflow. Define the input data the subflow uses and the output data it generates. Call subflows from other flows or script.​") with the new input.
5. Navigate to AllProcess Automation AdministrationActivity Definitions.
6. Open or [create the activity definition](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/YKo~qF7plLOp9f6SFvnhRg "Specify the action or subflow you want an activity to run. Configure the inputs you want playbook designers to set when adding the activity to a playbook. Select the experience you want end users to have when the activity runs.") to add the new input to.
7. Under the Automation Plan tab, make sure the action or flow you created with the new input is the underlying Flow or Action, and that the new input appears in the Variables section.
8. Change the visibility of the new input from Show as additional property to Always show.
9. Save your changes.  
   Once your activity definition is created, Playbooks authors can add and configure activities with the dynamic inputs.

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