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

 Release :

    - yokohama

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Yokohama Build workflows

ft:clusterId :

    - crworkflow

bundleId :

    - crworkflow

workflow :

    - Creator


---

# Playbook variants

# Playbook variants {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Yokohama  
Updated January 30, 2025  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Use one playbook for multiple scenarios.
Create different variations on top of a base playbook for multiple use cases instead of duplicating and modifying playbooks, or relying on one-time workarounds that use complex run conditions and branching.  
Consider using playbook variants if you have similar business processes that change based on specific factors. For example:

* Processes and requirements for different locations (regions, countries, municipalities, organizations, etc.).
  * Banking SLAs differ by region, USA is 30 days and EMEA is 45 days with potential for further variation by country.
  * Card disputes with variance by network: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, etc.
  {#playbook-variants__ul_sks_ptc_hdc}
* Managing hiring flows that vary by industry, department, and job titles.
* Business processes and requirements for different users and roles.
* Business processes and requirements for different kinds of applications, such as licenses and permits for different kinds of businesses, etc.
{#playbook-variants__ul_en4_myn_lcc}

To get started, see [Create a playbook variant](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/W7leprqykqVg7BexI9eZZw "Create variations of a playbook for different use cases.").

## General Guidelines {#playbook-variants__general-guidelines-playbook-variants}

Create, run, troubleshoot, and monitor your playbook variants more effectively. Use these guidelines to optimize the performance of your playbook variants.

Order your variants
:   Playbook variants are evaluated from the top down at every level. The first variant that meets conditions will run. Make sure your variants are in the order that you would like for them to be evaluated.

Pay attention to property overrides
:   As you make changes to your variants, related activity configurations that are inherited from parent variants (such as start rules or display order) may be overridden. The overridden link and label appear next properties that are no longer synced with the parent variant or playbook.  

    Check all properties to ensure they are still configured as you want them. Re-sync properties to be the same as in the parent, if needed.

Don't create variants for playbooks with decision activities
:   Decision activities are not currently supported in playbook variants.

Don't create variants if you want to change stage properties
:   Stage overrides are not currently supported in playbook variants.
* **[Create a playbook variant](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/W7leprqykqVg7BexI9eZZw)**   
  Create variations of a playbook for different use cases.
* **[Re-order playbook variants](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/ZjOGB7ulzAPMX9~LqZFEEQ)**   
  Change the order in which playbook variants are evaluated.
* **[Save a playbook variant as a favorite](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/9nJd~2SMJaRMlF7jZQaKVw)**   
  Save a playbook variant as a favorite for quick reference.

**Related concepts**   

* [Restart](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/Wspo~mL~PLaIR_qH8U~0ow "Give agents and fulfillers the ability to restart a playbook, stage, or activity.")  
**Related tasks**   

* [Create a playbook](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/NcQ5MjTeGf83SISSSgZsTw "Enable playbook owners to configure and organize multiple instances of Workflow Studio content into an automated business process on the ServiceNow AI Platform.")
* [Test a playbook](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/hBc4z~5wYyr9VRNRiyWx6w "Verify that your playbook works as expected by running the playbook with test trigger data. Identify and resolve all errors before activating your playbook.")
* [Duplicate Playbooks](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/FG8Yib3DdOE7eqFS0UZDdA "Make a copy of an existing playbook with the same trigger, stages, activities, and experience configurations as the original. Edit the duplicated playbook to quickly create a working variation.")
* [Add translations for playbooks](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/2cAVnfubx4wqzbHx6tFSwQ "Make playbooks available in multiple languages during runtime, to support worldwide business processes.")