Forms in ServiceNow are the primary interface for viewing, creating, and editing individual records within tables. When you open a specific incident, change request, or any other record, you are interacting with a form. Understanding forms and their layout is essential for ServiceNow System Adminis…Forms in ServiceNow are the primary interface for viewing, creating, and editing individual records within tables. When you open a specific incident, change request, or any other record, you are interacting with a form. Understanding forms and their layout is essential for ServiceNow System Administrators.
A form displays fields organized in sections, allowing users to input and view data efficiently. Each field corresponds to a column in the underlying database table. Fields can be of various types including strings, choice lists, reference fields, dates, and checkboxes.
Form Layout refers to how fields are arranged and displayed on a form. Administrators can customize form layouts to meet organizational needs using the Form Designer or Form Layout tool. Key customization options include:
1. Adding or removing fields from the form view
2. Rearranging field positions using drag-and-drop functionality
3. Creating sections to group related fields together
4. Configuring one-column or two-column layouts
5. Adding formatters for related lists, activity streams, or other special content
ServiceNow supports multiple form views, allowing different layouts for different user roles or purposes. For example, an ITIL view might show different fields than a Self-Service view for the same table.
Form sections help organize content logically. Administrators can create collapsible sections to reduce visual clutter while keeping information accessible. Related lists appear at the bottom of forms, showing records from other tables that relate to the current record.
The Form Designer provides a visual interface for layout modifications, while personalized lists allow individual users to adjust their own view preferences. Administrators should consider user experience when designing forms, ensuring essential fields are prominent and logically grouped.
Annotations and field labels can be customized to provide clarity, and mandatory fields can be configured to ensure data quality during record creation and updates.
Forms and Form Layout in ServiceNow
Why Forms and Form Layout Matter
Forms are the primary interface through which users interact with records in ServiceNow. Understanding how forms work and how to customize form layouts is essential for any ServiceNow administrator because it determines how efficiently users can view, create, and update data. A well-designed form improves user productivity and data quality.
What Are Forms in ServiceNow?
A form is a visual display of a single record from a table. When you open an incident, change request, or any other record, you are viewing it through a form. Forms contain fields that correspond to columns in the underlying table, allowing users to input and view data.
Key Components of Forms:
• Fields - Individual data entry points (text boxes, dropdowns, reference fields, etc.) • Sections - Groupings of related fields that can be expanded or collapsed • Related Lists - Display related records from other tables at the bottom of the form • Form Header - Contains the record title and action buttons • Activity Formatter - Shows work notes and comments history
How Form Layout Works
Form Layout is accessed by right-clicking the form header and selecting Configure > Form Layout or through System Definition > Form Layout. Administrators can:
• Add or remove fields from the form • Arrange fields in one or two-column layouts • Create and organize sections • Specify which fields appear for different views
Form Views
ServiceNow supports multiple views of the same form. The default view is used when no specific view is designated. Views allow different user groups to see customized layouts of the same record type. Views are created and managed through the Form Layout configuration.
Form Sections
Sections help organize fields into logical groups. They can be: • Expanded or collapsed by default • Configured with one or two-column layouts • Made visible or hidden based on conditions
Personalization vs. Configuration
• Personalization - Individual users can adjust their own form view (adding fields, changing field order) • Configuration - Administrators make changes that affect all users with access to that form view
Form Designer
ServiceNow provides a drag-and-drop Form Designer tool that offers a more intuitive way to configure forms. Access it through Configure > Form Design from the form header context menu.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Forms and Form Layout
1. Remember the navigation path - Know that Form Layout is accessed via right-click on the form header or through System Definition
2. Distinguish between views - Understand that different views can show different fields for the same table, and the default view applies when no other view is specified
3. Know the difference between personalization and configuration - Personalization affects only the individual user; configuration affects all users
4. Understand sections - Be prepared for questions about organizing fields into collapsible sections and how to create them
5. Related Lists vs. Form Fields - Know that Related Lists appear at the bottom of forms and show records from related tables, while form fields show data from the current record
6. Form Designer tool - Remember this is the modern, drag-and-drop interface for form customization
7. Two-column layout - Forms can display fields in one or two columns per section
8. Dictionary vs. Form Layout - Dictionary defines what fields exist on a table; Form Layout determines which fields appear on the form and their arrangement
9. When you see scenario questions - Consider whether the question asks about individual user changes (personalization) or system-wide changes (configuration/Form Layout)