Lists and filters in ServiceNow Getting started

Lists and filters

Build precise list views in ServiceNow using the condition builder, breadcrumbs, encoded queries, list controls and personalised columns.

Quick answer

Build precise list views in ServiceNow using the condition builder, breadcrumbs, encoded queries, list controls and personalised columns.

Key takeaways

Copy query gives you a reusable encoded query for scripts, reports and integrations
Clicking a breadcrumb segment removes every condition after it
Group By on a list answers most ad hoc questions without a report
Named views keep one table usable for very different audiences

The condition builder

Every list opens with a filter icon that builds conditions against fields on that table and, through dot-walking, on referenced tables. Conditions grouped with AND sit on the same row block, OR conditions create a new block. Read the breadcrumb above the list from left to right to see exactly what is applied.

Breadcrumbs are clickable filters

The breadcrumb is not decoration. Click any segment to remove everything to its right, which is the quickest way to widen a search step by step. Right-click a column header and choose Filter Out to subtract a value without touching the builder.

Encoded queries

Every filter has a text form that you can copy from the breadcrumb by right-clicking it and choosing Copy query. That string is portable: paste it into a report, a scheduled job, a business rule or a REST call.

active=true^priority<=2^assignment_group.nameSTARTSWITHNetwork
// same query from script
var gr = new GlideRecord('incident');
gr.addEncodedQuery('active=true^priority<=2');
gr.query();

Personalising what you see

Use the gear on the list header to add, remove and reorder columns for yourself. Admins can set the default for everyone by editing the list layout, and can create named views so a service desk sees different columns than a change manager.

Column personalisation is per user, list layout is per role or view
Group By turns a flat list into collapsible sections without building a report
Saved filters can be shared with a group, which beats emailing screenshots

Practice challenge

+0 XPStreak ×0

Question 1 of 2

Where do you get a portable text version of a list filter?

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a filter and a view?

A filter decides which rows appear. A view decides which columns and form sections appear. They are stored separately and can be combined.

Why does my filter return nothing after I copied it from another instance?

Encoded queries often contain sys_ids of groups or users. Those sys_ids differ between instances unless the records were moved with an update set or import.