Lists and filters
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
Want to learn this properly?
Our live, instructor-led ServiceNow Training covers this hands-on, with real projects and a certification path.
Check your understanding
Where do you get a portable text version of a list filter?
- A. System Properties
- B. Right-click the breadcrumb and choose Copy query
- C. The form header menu
- D. sys_dictionary
Show answer
B. Right-click the breadcrumb and choose Copy query
Copy query returns the encoded query string used by scripts, reports and APIs.
Personalising list columns with the gear icon affects who?
- A. Every user on the instance
- B. Only you
- C. Everyone in your group
- D. Only users with the same role
Show answer
B. Only you
Gear personalisation is per user. Changing it for everyone means editing the list layout.