The Application Navigator is a fundamental component of the ServiceNow user interface that serves as the primary navigation tool for accessing applications, modules, and features within the platform. Located on the left side of the ServiceNow interface, it provides users with a hierarchical menu st…The Application Navigator is a fundamental component of the ServiceNow user interface that serves as the primary navigation tool for accessing applications, modules, and features within the platform. Located on the left side of the ServiceNow interface, it provides users with a hierarchical menu structure that organizes all available functionality into logical groupings.
The Application Navigator consists of several key elements. At the top, you will find the Filter Navigator, which is a search field that allows users to quickly locate specific applications or modules by typing keywords. This feature significantly enhances productivity by eliminating the need to manually browse through extensive menu structures.
Below the filter field, applications are displayed as expandable sections. Each application contains multiple modules that represent specific functionalities or tasks. For example, the Incident application contains modules such as Create New, Open, and All for managing incident records. Users can expand or collapse these application sections to customize their view.
The Application Navigator supports favorites functionality, allowing users to bookmark frequently accessed modules for quick access. Users can star their preferred modules, which then appear in a dedicated Favorites section at the top of the navigator.
Administrators can customize the Application Navigator by creating new applications and modules, controlling visibility based on user roles, and organizing the menu structure to align with organizational workflows. This customization ensures users only see relevant options based on their responsibilities and access permissions.
The navigator also includes application menus that can be personalized. Users can edit their navigation preferences to show or hide certain applications, creating a streamlined experience tailored to their daily tasks.
Understanding the Application Navigator is essential for ServiceNow administrators as it forms the backbone of user navigation and directly impacts user adoption and efficiency within the platform.
Application Navigator in ServiceNow
What is the Application Navigator?
The Application Navigator is the primary navigation panel located on the left side of the ServiceNow interface. It serves as the central hub for accessing all applications, modules, and features within the ServiceNow platform. Users interact with this component constantly to move between different areas of the system.
Why is the Application Navigator Important?
Understanding the Application Navigator is fundamental to working efficiently in ServiceNow because:
• It provides quick access to all available applications and modules • It enables users to search for specific features using the filter navigator • It organizes ServiceNow functionality into logical application groupings • It can be customized to show favorites and history for faster navigation • It adapts based on user roles, showing only applications the user has access to
How Does the Application Navigator Work?
The Application Navigator consists of several key components:
Filter Navigator: A search field at the top that allows users to type keywords to quickly find applications and modules. As you type, results are filtered in real-time.
All Applications: Displays a hierarchical list of all applications available to the user, organized alphabetically. Each application expands to reveal its associated modules.
Favorites: A personalized section where users can add frequently used modules for quick access by clicking the star icon next to any module.
History: Shows recently visited modules, allowing users to return to previous locations quickly.
Key Features to Remember:
• The filter navigator accepts partial matches and is not case-sensitive • Users can pin the navigator open or allow it to collapse • Right-clicking modules provides additional options like opening in a new tab • The navigator updates dynamically based on activated plugins and user permissions
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Application Navigator
1. Know the Location: Remember that the Application Navigator is always on the LEFT side of the screen in the standard UI.
2. Filter Navigator Behavior: Understand that typing in the filter navigator searches through ALL application and module names simultaneously.
3. Favorites vs History: Be clear on the difference - Favorites are manually added by users, while History is automatically populated based on recent activity.
4. Role-Based Access: Questions may test your knowledge that users only see applications and modules they have permission to access.
5. Common Question Types: • Where to find specific modules • How to add items to favorites • What the filter navigator searches • Navigation shortcuts and efficiency features
6. Watch for Trick Answers: Options mentioning the right side of the screen or suggesting the navigator shows all modules regardless of permissions are incorrect.
7. Remember Terminology: ServiceNow specifically calls it the Application Navigator and the search field is the Filter Navigator - do not confuse these terms in exam answers.