--- 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 --- # Two Step Instruction activity # Two Step Instruction activity {#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 Two Step Instruction activity The Two Step Instruction activity in ServiceNow enables you to display customized messages to end users based on the current state of an activity within a playbook. You can specify distinct messages for when the activity is in progress, completed, or skipped, enhancing communication and guiding users through the process effectively. Show full answer Show less ## Key Features * **State-Based Messaging:** Configure different messages for initial (in progress), completed, and skipped states to inform end users appropriately. * **Role Access:** Available to users with admin, playbook.admin, or pdauthor roles to add and configure this activity in playbooks. * **Configurable Inputs:** * **Label and Description:** Set the title and informational text for the activity and playbook card. * **Run Condition:** Use conditions based on prior activity data to control when the activity or stage runs. * **Start Rule:** Define when the stage or activity begins running (immediately on process start, after specific stages or activities, or with a delay). * **Start with Delay:** Optionally delay the start of the activity or stage. * **Assignment Group and Assigned To:** Assign responsibility for the task associated with the activity to a user or group. * **Advanced Configuration:** Additional inputs can be revealed and configured for more granular control over the activity experience. ## Outputs The activity produces outputs that can be used as inputs for other activities within the playbook. Specifically, it provides a reference to the task record associated with the activity, enabling data flow and integration across the playbook steps. ## Practical Benefits By using the Two Step Instruction activity, ServiceNow customers can enhance process clarity and user engagement by tailoring messages to the activity's lifecycle state. This ensures users receive contextually relevant information, helping them understand their tasks and the playbook's progress, which improves overall workflow efficiency and communication. Display a different message to end users based on the current activity state. You can specify an initial state message, a skipped state message, and a completed state message. ## Roles and availability {#two-step-instruction-activity__section_pwq_rb5_kcb} * This activity is available as a common activity. Users with the admin, playbook.admin, or pd_author can add this activity to a playbook. {#two-step-instruction-activity__ul_mcq_1c5_kcb} ## Inputs {#two-step-instruction-activity__section_yb4_zq3_plb} Open the activity properties panel and configure your activity to add values for the following inputs. If the input value varies, use the pill-picker to show where to get the value. To learn more about the pill-picker, see [Dot-walking examples](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=dot-walking-examples&version=australia&pubname=australia-platform-user-interface&ft:locale=en-US). {#two-step-instruction-activity__table_ajt_sr3_plb__entry__3} | Input | Type | Description | |-|-|-| | Label | String | Title to display as activity and playbook card. | | Description | String | Information to display about activity usage or outcome. | | Run condition | Condition Builder | Conditions that must be met to run an activity or stage. You can use data from prior activities to build conditions. Note: Select Show additional options to see this field. | | Start Rule | Choice | Under ScheduleStart Rule, select a start rule for when your stage should start running: * When process starts: Your stage starts running as soon as the playbook starts. * After specific stages: Your stage starts running after specified stage(s) have finished running. {#two-step-instruction-activity__ul_f4z_nq1_ppb}Under Schedule \> Start Rule, select a start rule for when your activity should start running: * When stage starts: Your activity starts running as soon as its stage starts running. Your stage starts running when your playbook is triggered. * After specific activities: Your activity starts running after specified activities have finished running. {#two-step-instruction-activity__ul_zzc_3ls_m1c} | | Start with delay | True/False | Option to wait for a duration of time before running an activity or stage. When enabled, this input displays the [Start with delay input properties](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/EdInaaLAHZCnrBcJbs96Lw "Specify a duration of time to wait before running an activity or a stage whose start rule and conditions have been met. Give users time to act during automated playbooks. Give users time to wait for a specific date and time to complete actions."). Note: Select Show additional options to see this field. | | Initial Message | String | Message text to display to end users when the activity state is In Progress. | | Completed Message | String | Message text to display to end users when the activity state is Completed. | | Skipped Message | String | Message text to display to end users when the activity state is Skipped. | [ ] {#two-step-instruction-activity__table_ajt_sr3_plb} ## Advanced inputs {#two-step-instruction-activity__section_bgh_1r3_plb} After configuring the required inputs for your activity, you can also choose to configure additional inputs. In the side panel, select Show additional options to display these advanced inputs. For more information, see [Activity experience](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/aEvbv54ObgcCjjhXabvx8w#activity-definitions__activity-experience). {#two-step-instruction-activity__table_cjj_sr3_plb__entry__3} | Input | Type | Description | |-|-|-| | Assignment Group | Reference.Group \[sys_user_group\] | Group responsible for completing the task associated with the activity. Note: Select Show additional options to see this field. | | Assigned To | Reference.User \[sys_user\] | User responsible for completing the task associated with the activity. Note: Select Show additional options to see this field. | [ ] {#two-step-instruction-activity__table_cjj_sr3_plb} ## Outputs {#two-step-instruction-activity__section_unx_fr3_plb} These outputs can provide data to other activities in your playbook. You can access this data as activity inputs when you configure your activity: {#two-step-instruction-activity__table_mv2_rr3_plb__entry__3} | Output | Type | Description | |-|-|-| | Record | Reference.Task\[task\] | Reference to the record associated with the activity. | [ ] {#two-step-instruction-activity__table_mv2_rr3_plb} *[\>]: and then