Version: 4.9.0

Form Layout

Guide for creating ServiceNow form layouts using the Form API. Forms define which fields, annotations, formatters, and embedded lists appear on a record's form view and how they are arranged.

When to Use

Defining what fields appear on a record form and in what order
Organizing fields into sections with one-column or two-column layouts
Adding informational annotations (banners, warnings, instructions)
Embedding related record lists directly within a form section
Adding formatters (activity streams, attached knowledge) to a form
Creating role-restricted or user-specific form layouts

Instructions

Choose the view first: Use default_view for the default layout, or create a Record<'sys_ui_view'> for a custom view. The same view const works with both Form() and List().
Organize sections logically: Header/details first, notes/activity in the middle, related lists at the bottom. Use descriptive captions (e.g., 'Assignment', not 'Section 1').
Pick the right layout block: Use two-column for 4+ short fields (dropdowns, references). Use one-column for text areas, formatters, annotations, and embedded lists.
Set the element type: Every element needs a type discriminator: 'table_field', 'annotation', 'formatter', or 'list'.
Import only what you use: Import AnnotationType, Formatter, default_view, or Record only if actually used — unused imports cause build issues.
Avoid duplicates: Each field should appear only once per section.
Dedicate sections to special elements: Formatters and embedded lists work best in their own sections, never mixed with regular fields.

API Reference

See the form-api topic for the full property reference, including FormSection, LayoutBlock, and FormElement types.

Key Concepts

Record Hierarchy

The Form API creates a hierarchy of ServiceNow records automatically:

Record	Table	Description
Form	`sys_ui_form`	Main form record linking a table to a view
Form Section Link	`sys_ui_form_section`	Join table linking form to sections (with position)
Section	`sys_ui_section`	Section records with caption, header, and view
Element	`sys_ui_element`	Individual field elements within sections
Annotation	`sys_ui_annotation`	Annotation records (when `type: 'annotation'`)

You only define sections in the sections array — the Form API creates the link records for you.

Layout Blocks

Each section's content array contains one or more layout blocks:

One-column — elements stacked vertically:

{ layout: 'one-column', elements: [/* elements */] }

Two-column — elements split left/right (maps to .begin_split/.split/.end_split in ServiceNow):

{ layout: 'two-column', leftElements: [/* left */], rightElements: [/* right */] }

A section can contain multiple layout blocks to create mixed layouts (e.g., a two-column block followed by a one-column block for a text area).

Layout Decision Guide

Condition	Layout
1–3 fields in a section	`one-column`
4+ short fields of similar length	`two-column`
Text areas, descriptions, notes	`one-column` always
Formatters and embedded lists	`one-column` in a dedicated section
Fields are logically paired (start/end date)	`two-column`

Element Types

Type	Key Properties	Description
`table_field`	`field`, `type`	Table column field
`annotation`	`annotationId`, `text`, `isPlainText?`, `annotationType?`	Informational text banner
`formatter`	`formatterRef`, `formatterName?`	UI formatter (activity stream, knowledge, etc.)
`list`	`listType`, `listRef`	Embedded related list (12M, M2M, or custom)

Annotations

Annotations display informational text not tied to any table field. The Form API creates both a sys_ui_annotation record and a sys_ui_element linking it to the section.

Property	Required	Description
`annotationId`	Yes	`Now.ID['<unique_key>']` — becomes the annotation record's sys_id
`text`	Yes	Content (plain text or HTML)
`isPlainText`	No	`true` (default) for plain text, `false` for HTML
`annotationType`	No	`AnnotationType` constant or `Record<'sys_ui_annotation_type'>`. Default: `AnnotationType.Info_Box_Blue`

Available AnnotationType constants (import from @servicenow/sdk/core):

Constant	Description
`AnnotationType.Info_Box_Blue`	Blue info box (default)
`AnnotationType.Info_Box_Red`	Red info box
`AnnotationType.Line_Separator`	Horizontal line
`AnnotationType.Plain_Text`	Plain text (left-padded)
`AnnotationType.Section_Details`	Section details
`AnnotationType.Section_Plain_Text`	Plain text in section
`AnnotationType.Section_Separator`	Section separator
`AnnotationType.Text`	Basic text

Embedded Lists

Embedded lists display child or associated records directly in a form section. All three types require type: 'list'.

List Type	`listRef` Format	When to Use
`12M`	`'<child_table>.<ref_column>'`	Child table has a reference field pointing to parent
`M2M`	`'<join_table>.<ref_column>'`	Join table connects two tables via reference fields
`custom`	`Record<'sys_relationship'>` or GUID string	No reference field, platform tables, or OOB relationships

Always search for existing relationships before creating new sys_relationship records. Platform tables like sys_attachment, sys_audit, and sys_journal_field use polymorphic string fields and always require custom type.

Platform Tables

Platform tables use polymorphic string fields (not reference fields) and always require custom list type:

sys_attachment — file attachments
sys_audit — audit history
sys_journal_field — journal entries (comments, work notes)
sys_history_line — history records
approval_approver — approval records
sys_email — email records
wf_activity — workflow activities

Always use listType: 'custom' with a Record<'sys_relationship'> reference for these tables.

Verification Before Adding Embedded Lists

Before adding an embedded list, verify the relationship and target table exist:

Search existing relationships: Query sys_relationship where basic_apply_to=<parent>^basic_query_from=<child>, retrieving sys_id and name (see the query topic).
Verify target table exists: Query sys_db_object where name=<child_table>, retrieving sys_id, name, and label (see the query topic).
Check field structure: Query sys_dictionary where name=<child_table>^element=<ref_field>^internal_type=reference, retrieving element and reference (see the query topic).

This workflow prevents build errors from missing relationships or tables.

Common OOB Relationships

Query sys_relationship for out-of-box relationships using these encoded query filters (see the query topic):

Purpose	Encoded Query
Audit History	`basic_query_from=sys_audit`
Attachments	`basic_query_from=sys_attachment`
Comments/Work Notes	`basic_query_fromLIKEjournal`
Approvals	`basic_query_from=approval_approver`
Workflows	`basic_query_from=wf_activity`

Use the returned sys_id values in listRef for custom type embedded lists.

Migrating from Record API to Form API

When to convert: When the codebase has Record() calls for sys_ui_section + sys_ui_element and the user wants to add new sections, elements, annotations, or formatters.

5-Step Conversion Algorithm:

Extract section metadata from sys_ui_section Record → caption, header, title; map data.view to a view Record const (not string)
Sort sys_ui_element Records by data.position (ascending)
Group elements into layout blocks by processing split markers:
- .begin_split → flush buffer, collect left until .split, right until .end_split → two-column block
- Lone .split (no .begin_split) → buffer becomes left, collect right until next split marker → two-column block (stopping marker NOT consumed)
- .end_split at top level → silently ignored
- No markers → one-column block
Map element types:
- sys_ui_element with data.type='field' → { field: data.element, type: 'table_field' }
- sys_ui_annotation → { type: 'annotation', annotationId, text, isPlainText, annotationType }
- sys_ui_formatter → { type: 'formatter', formatterRef }
- Embedded list → { type: 'list', listType, listRef }
Convert formatter GUIDs to constants:
- 444ea5c6bf310100e628555b3f0739d6 → Formatter.Activities_Filtered
- cfa76e850a0a0b1f01446f67c8538d00 → Formatter.Attached_Knowledge

Formatter GUID → Name lookup (globally available):

444ea5c6bf310100e628555b3f0739d6 → Formatter.Activities_Filtered
cfa76e850a0a0b1f01446f67c8538d00 → Formatter.Attached_Knowledge

Example conversion:

Before (Record API):

Record({ table: 'sys_ui_section', data: { name: 'details', caption: 'Details', position: 0 } })
Record({ table: 'sys_ui_element', data: { element: 'name', position: 0, type: 'field' } })
Record({ table: 'sys_ui_element', data: { element: '.begin_split', position: 1 } })
Record({ table: 'sys_ui_element', data: { element: 'state', position: 2, type: 'field' } })
Record({ table: 'sys_ui_element', data: { element: '.split', position: 3 } })
Record({ table: 'sys_ui_element', data: { element: 'priority', position: 4, type: 'field' } })
Record({ table: 'sys_ui_element', data: { element: '.end_split', position: 5 } })

After (Form API):

Form({
    sections: [{
        caption: 'Details',
        content: [
            { layout: 'one-column', elements: [{ field: 'name', type: 'table_field' }] },
            { layout: 'two-column', leftElements: [{ field: 'state', type: 'table_field' }], rightElements: [{ field: 'priority', type: 'table_field' }] }
        ]
    }]
})

View Handling

Default view:

import { Form, default_view } from '@servicenow/sdk/core'
Form({ table: 'x_myapp_task', view: default_view, sections: [...] })

Custom view (canonical pattern):

import { Record, Form } from '@servicenow/sdk/core'

const myView = Record({
    $id: Now.ID['my_view'],
    table: 'sys_ui_view',
    data: { name: 'my_custom_view', title: 'My Custom View' },
})

Form({ table: 'x_myapp_task', view: myView, sections: [...] })

The same view const can be passed to List({ view: myView }) — both APIs accept a sys_ui_view Record reference.

Standard Section Layout

Common section organization pattern for task-based forms:

Section	Position	Layout	Content
Header / Details	0	Two-column	Short fields: name, state, priority
Extended Details	1	One-column	Text areas: description, comments
Activity / Notes	2	One-column	Formatters: activity stream
Related Lists	3	One-column	Dedicated — never mix with fields

This pattern provides a consistent user experience across applications.

Default Form Design Heuristic

When the user specifies no explicit layout, follow this heuristic:

Single merged section: Combine all fields into one section unless the user explicitly requests multiple sections
Two-column for short fields: Use two-column layout when there are 4+ short fields (dropdowns, references, dates)
One-column for text areas: Always use one-column for long text fields, HTML fields, and journal fields
Dedicated blocks for formatters: Place formatters (activity, knowledge) in their own one-column blocks
Dedicated blocks for embedded lists: Never mix embedded lists with regular fields
Exclude extended/parent table fields: Only include fields from the target table unless explicitly requested

This heuristic ensures forms are readable and follow ServiceNow best practices.

Section Behavior

How sections render on the form:

Tabs: If tabs are enabled on the instance, each section appears as a separate tab
Ordering: Sections are ordered by their position in the sections array (0-indexed)
Empty sections: Sections with an empty content array create a section header with no elements

Examples

Simple Form with Default View

import { Form, default_view } from '@servicenow/sdk/core'

Form({
    table: 'x_myapp_task',
    view: default_view,
    sections: [
        {
            caption: 'General',
            content: [
                {
                    layout: 'one-column',
                    elements: [
                        { field: 'name', type: 'table_field' },
                        { field: 'short_description', type: 'table_field' },
                        { field: 'active', type: 'table_field' },
                    ],
                },
            ],
        },
        {
            caption: 'Details',
            content: [
                {
                    layout: 'one-column',
                    elements: [
                        { field: 'description', type: 'table_field' },
                        { field: 'priority', type: 'table_field' },
                    ],
                },
            ],
        },
    ],
})

Two-Column Layout with Annotations and Activity Formatter

import '@servicenow/sdk/global'
import { Form, Record, AnnotationType, Formatter } from '@servicenow/sdk/core'

const detailedView = Record({
    $id: Now.ID['detailed-view'],
    table: 'sys_ui_view',
    data: { name: 'x_myapp_detailed', title: 'Detailed View' },
})

Form({
    table: 'x_myapp_task',
    view: detailedView,
    roles: ['admin', 'itil'],
    sections: [
        {
            caption: 'Overview',
            content: [
                {
                    layout: 'one-column',
                    elements: [
                        {
                            type: 'annotation',
                            annotationId: Now.ID['overview-banner'],
                            text: 'Complete all required fields before submitting.',
                            isPlainText: true,
                            annotationType: AnnotationType.Info_Box_Blue,
                        },
                    ],
                },
                {
                    layout: 'two-column',
                    leftElements: [
                        { field: 'name', type: 'table_field' },
                        { field: 'category', type: 'table_field' },
                    ],
                    rightElements: [
                        { field: 'priority', type: 'table_field' },
                        { field: 'assigned_to', type: 'table_field' },
                    ],
                },
                {
                    layout: 'one-column',
                    elements: [{ field: 'description', type: 'table_field' }],
                },
            ],
        },
        {
            caption: 'Activity',
            content: [
                {
                    layout: 'one-column',
                    elements: [
                        { type: 'formatter', formatterRef: Formatter.Activities_Filtered },
                    ],
                },
            ],
        },
    ],
})

Complete Form with Embedded Lists

import '@servicenow/sdk/global'
import { Form, Record, Formatter } from '@servicenow/sdk/core'

const taskToAuditRel = Record({
    $id: Now.ID['task-audit-rel'],
    table: 'sys_relationship',
    data: {
        name: 'Task Audit History',
        basic_apply_to: 'x_myapp_task',
        basic_query_from: 'sys_audit',
        advanced: false,
    },
})

const completeView = Record({
    $id: Now.ID['complete-view'],
    table: 'sys_ui_view',
    data: { name: 'x_myapp_complete', title: 'Complete View' },
})

Form({
    table: 'x_myapp_task',
    view: completeView,
    sections: [
        {
            caption: 'Details',
            content: [
                {
                    layout: 'two-column',
                    leftElements: [
                        { field: 'name', type: 'table_field' },
                        { field: 'category', type: 'table_field' },
                    ],
                    rightElements: [
                        { field: 'priority', type: 'table_field' },
                        { field: 'assigned_to', type: 'table_field' },
                    ],
                },
                {
                    layout: 'one-column',
                    elements: [{ field: 'description', type: 'table_field' }],
                },
            ],
        },
        {
            caption: 'Activity',
            content: [
                {
                    layout: 'one-column',
                    elements: [
                        { type: 'formatter', formatterRef: Formatter.Activities_Filtered },
                    ],
                },
            ],
        },
        {
            caption: 'Subtasks',
            content: [
                {
                    layout: 'one-column',
                    elements: [
                        { type: 'list', listType: '12M', listRef: 'x_myapp_subtask.parent_task' },
                    ],
                },
            ],
        },
        {
            caption: 'Audit History',
            content: [
                {
                    layout: 'one-column',
                    elements: [
                        { type: 'list', listType: 'custom', listRef: taskToAuditRel },
                    ],
                },
            ],
        },
    ],
})

HTML Annotation

Add an annotation with HTML formatting (isPlainText: false) to display rich text with bold, italic, and links.

import '@servicenow/sdk/global'
import { Form, AnnotationType, default_view } from '@servicenow/sdk/core'

Form({
    table: 'x_myapp_task',
    view: default_view,
    sections: [
        {
            caption: 'Instructions',
            content: [
                {
                    layout: 'one-column',
                    elements: [
                        {
                            type: 'annotation',
                            annotationId: Now.ID['html-annotation'],
                            text: '<b>Important:</b> Review the <a href="/kb_view.do">knowledge base</a> before proceeding.',
                            isPlainText: false,
                            annotationType: AnnotationType.Info_Box_Blue,
                        },
                        { field: 'short_description', type: 'table_field' },
                    ],
                },
            ],
        },
    ],
})

Result: Annotation displays with bold text and clickable link.

Custom Annotation Type

Create a custom annotation type with custom CSS and reference it in the form.

import '@servicenow/sdk/global'
import { Record, Form, default_view } from '@servicenow/sdk/core'

const customAnnotationType = Record({
    $id: Now.ID['custom-warning-type'],
    table: 'sys_ui_annotation_type',
    data: {
        name: 'Custom Warning',
        style: `
            background-color: #fff3cd;
            border-left: 4px solid #ffc107;
            padding: 12px;
            margin: 8px 0;
            color: #856404;
        `,
    },
})

Form({
    table: 'x_myapp_task',
    view: default_view,
    sections: [
        {
            caption: 'Task Details',
            content: [
                {
                    layout: 'one-column',
                    elements: [
                        {
                            type: 'annotation',
                            annotationId: Now.ID['custom-warning-annotation'],
                            text: 'This task requires manager approval before proceeding.',
                            isPlainText: true,
                            annotationType: customAnnotationType,
                        },
                        { field: 'short_description', type: 'table_field' },
                        { field: 'assigned_to', type: 'table_field' },
                    ],
                },
            ],
        },
    ],
})

Result: Annotation displays with custom yellow warning styling.

Multiple AnnotationType

Use different annotation types across multiple sections to demonstrate Plain_Text, Line_Separator, and Section_Details.

import '@servicenow/sdk/global'
import { Form, AnnotationType, default_view } from '@servicenow/sdk/core'

Form({
    table: 'x_myapp_task',
    view: default_view,
    sections: [
        {
            caption: 'Text Annotations',
            content: [
                {
                    layout: 'one-column',
                    elements: [
                        {
                            type: 'annotation',
                            annotationId: Now.ID['plain-text-annotation'],
                            text: 'Plain text annotation — no HTML formatting applied.',
                            isPlainText: true,
                            annotationType: AnnotationType.Plain_Text,
                        },
                        { field: 'description', type: 'table_field' },
                    ],
                },
            ],
        },
        {
            caption: 'Separators and Section Details',
            content: [
                {
                    layout: 'one-column',
                    elements: [
                        {
                            type: 'annotation',
                            annotationId: Now.ID['line-separator'],
                            text: '',
                            isPlainText: true,
                            annotationType: AnnotationType.Line_Separator,
                        },
                        { field: 'state', type: 'table_field' },
                        {
                            type: 'annotation',
                            annotationId: Now.ID['section-details'],
                            text: 'Provide additional context about the task below.',
                            isPlainText: true,
                            annotationType: AnnotationType.Section_Details,
                        },
                        { field: 'notes', type: 'table_field' },
                    ],
                },
            ],
        },
    ],
})

Result: Demonstrates three different annotation styles in one form.

M2M Embedded List

Many-to-Many relationship using a join table pattern with listType: "M2M" and listRef: "join_table.parent_field" format.

import { Form, default_view } from '@servicenow/sdk/core'

Form({
    table: 'sn_form_example_task',
    view: default_view,
    sections: [
        {
            caption: 'Details',
            content: [
                {
                    layout: 'one-column',
                    elements: [{ field: 'name', type: 'table_field' }],
                },
            ],
        },
        {
            caption: 'Tags',
            content: [
                {
                    layout: 'one-column',
                    elements: [
                        {
                            type: 'list',
                            listType: 'M2M',
                            listRef: 'sn_form_example_task_tag.task',
                        },
                    ],
                },
            ],
        },
    ],
})

How it works: The join table (sn_form_example_task_tag) has a reference field (task) pointing back to the parent. The listRef format is join_table.parent_field.

When showing related records on a form, choose between embedding lists within form sections (Form API) and end-of-form related lists (Record API).

Core principle: Embedded List = "Edit in context" | Related List = "Navigate & manage"

Embedded List (Form API)	Related List (Record API)
User needs to edit/act immediately in context	User needs to view/manage/navigate data
Small dataset (< 20 records)	Large or unbounded dataset ("all", "history")
Core workflow action	Secondary/supporting data

Keyword signals:

Signals → Embedded List	Signals → Related List
"quickly", "inline", "while filling", "within section", "immediate", "direct edit"	"all", "history", "at the bottom", "end of form", "related to", "display on record"
Action verbs: "create", "edit", "modify", "select", "assign"	View verbs: "show", "display", "list", "view"

Default: When ambiguous, use Related List (standard ServiceNow behavior). See the relationship-guide topic for end-of-form related list patterns.

Avoidance

Never put text areas in two-column blocks — text areas (description, work_notes) need full width. Always use one-column.
Never mix embedded lists with regular fields — embedded lists must be in their own dedicated section with a descriptive caption.
Never use empty captions — empty caption strings cause build errors. Always provide a meaningful section name.
Never hardcode formatter or relationship GUIDs — use Formatter.* constants for Activity and Attached Knowledge. For relationships, use a Record<'sys_relationship'> reference or query the instance for the sys_id.
Never use raw GUID strings for annotationType — use AnnotationType.* constants when a built-in type matches. For custom styles, create a Record<'sys_ui_annotation_type'>.
Never import unused symbols — importing Record, default_view, AnnotationType, or Formatter when not used causes build issues.
Never duplicate fields in the same section — each field should appear only once per section to avoid rendering issues.
Never create sys_ui_formatter records for globally available formatters — Activity (Formatter.Activities_Filtered) and Attached Knowledge (Formatter.Attached_Knowledge) already exist on all instances.
Never exceed 1000 characters in annotation text — keep annotations concise. For lengthy content, consider using a UI Page or knowledge article link instead.
Never use JavaScript or complex HTML in annotations — use plain text (isPlainText: true) by default. Only use HTML for simple formatting (<b>, <br>) when strictly necessary.

When to Use​

Instructions​

API Reference​

Key Concepts​

Record Hierarchy​

Layout Blocks​

Layout Decision Guide​

Element Types​

Annotations​

Embedded Lists​

Platform Tables​

Verification Before Adding Embedded Lists​

Common OOB Relationships​

Migrating from Record API to Form API​

View Handling​

Standard Section Layout​

Default Form Design Heuristic​

Section Behavior​

Examples​

Simple Form with Default View​

Two-Column Layout with Annotations and Activity Formatter​

Complete Form with Embedded Lists​

HTML Annotation​

Custom Annotation Type​

Multiple AnnotationType​

M2M Embedded List​

Choosing Embedded List vs Related List​

Avoidance​