Branding and Theming in ServiceNow allows administrators to customize the visual appearance of the platform to align with organizational identity and improve user experience. This functionality enables companies to create a cohesive look that reflects their corporate brand across the ServiceNow ins…Branding and Theming in ServiceNow allows administrators to customize the visual appearance of the platform to align with organizational identity and improve user experience. This functionality enables companies to create a cohesive look that reflects their corporate brand across the ServiceNow instance.
The System Properties for branding include options to modify the banner image, banner text, favicon, and login page appearance. Administrators can access these settings through System Properties > Basic Configuration UI16 or through the Company menu in newer versions.
Key branding elements include:
1. Banner and Logo: Organizations can upload custom logos and modify the header banner to display company branding. The banner image appears at the top of the ServiceNow interface and serves as a visual identifier.
2. Color Schemes: Theming allows modification of primary colors, navigation colors, and accent colors throughout the interface. This ensures consistency with corporate color palettes.
3. Login Page Customization: The login page can be branded with custom backgrounds, logos, and welcome messages to create a professional first impression for users.
4. Favicon: The small icon displayed in browser tabs can be customized to show company logos.
5. UI Themes: ServiceNow provides pre-built themes and allows creation of custom themes. Themes control the overall visual styling including fonts, spacing, and color combinations.
Next Experience UI introduced enhanced theming capabilities with Theme Builder, enabling more granular control over visual elements. Administrators can create multiple themes and assign them to different user groups based on requirements.
Best practices include maintaining accessibility standards when selecting colors, ensuring sufficient contrast ratios, and testing branding changes across different browsers and devices before deployment. Changes should be implemented in sub-production environments first to validate appearance and functionality before applying them to production instances.
Branding and Theming in ServiceNow: Complete Study Guide
Why Branding and Theming is Important
Branding and theming in ServiceNow allows organizations to customize the look and feel of their instance to match corporate identity. This creates a consistent user experience, reinforces brand recognition, and improves user adoption. For the CSA exam, understanding branding and theming demonstrates your ability to configure the platform to meet organizational requirements.
What is Branding and Theming?
Branding and theming encompasses the visual customization options available in ServiceNow, including:
• System Properties - Basic branding elements like banner text, logos, and colors • UI16 Theme - The classic interface styling options • Next Experience UI - Modern workspace theming capabilities • Company Logo - The organizational logo displayed in the banner • Banner Text - Custom text appearing in the header • Color Schemes - Primary and secondary colors for navigation and highlights
How Branding and Theming Works
Accessing Branding Settings: Navigate to System Properties > Basic Configuration UI16 for classic interface settings, or use the Theme Builder for Next Experience workspaces.
Key Configuration Areas: • Banner image and favicon uploads through System Properties • Color customization through theme properties • Custom CSS for advanced styling needs • Workspace-specific themes for different user groups
System Properties for Branding: • glide.product.image - Sets the banner logo • glide.product.name - Sets the product name displayed • css.base.color - Defines the primary UI color
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Branding and Theming
1. Know the Navigation Path - Remember that basic branding is configured under System Properties > Basic Configuration UI16. Questions often test whether you know where to find these settings.
2. Understand Property Names - Be familiar with key system properties like glide.product.image and glide.product.name. Exam questions may reference these specific properties.
3. Differentiate Between UI16 and Next Experience - The exam may test your understanding of which theming options apply to which interface. UI16 uses different configuration methods than Next Experience workspaces.
4. Remember Role Requirements - Admin role is typically required for branding changes. Questions about who can modify branding settings require this knowledge.
5. Focus on Out-of-Box Options - The CSA exam emphasizes standard configuration over custom development. Know what can be achieved through properties versus what requires scripting.
6. Theme Application Scope - Understand that themes can be applied globally or to specific applications and workspaces. This is a common exam topic.
7. Image Specifications - Be aware that ServiceNow has recommended dimensions for logos and banners. Questions may reference proper sizing.
Common Exam Question Patterns:
• Where would an administrator go to change the company logo? - Look for answers mentioning System Properties or Basic Configuration.
• What role is needed to modify branding? - The answer typically involves admin role.
• How can different departments have different themes? - Look for answers about workspace-specific theming or user criteria.
When answering scenario-based questions, always consider the simplest configuration approach first, as ServiceNow exams favor built-in functionality over custom solutions.