ServiceNow UI and Branding Overview

Jun 13, 2025

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Overview

This lecture covers the ServiceNow user interface (UI) and branding, explaining UI elements, navigation features, and steps for customizing your instance's appearance.

ServiceNow UI Versions

  • ServiceNow has two UI versions: UI 16 (default) and UI 15.
  • Users can switch between UI versions via the settings menu.
  • The UI version affects available features and elements (e.g., Edge only in UI 15).

Main UI Elements

  • The ServiceNow screen is divided into: Banner Frame, Application Navigator, Content Frame, and (UI 15 only) Edge.
  • Banner Frame contains the logo, instance name, user menu, system settings, and global search.
  • Application Navigator is on the left, allowing access to applications and modules.
  • Content Frame displays the details or forms of selected modules.

Banner Frame Components

  • Left: company logo and instance name.
  • Right: user menu (profile, impersonate, elevated roles, logout), global search, chat, help, and settings.
  • User menu includes access to view profile, impersonate other users, elevate security roles, or log out.
  • Global search allows searching across the platform, limited by user access.

Application Navigator Features

  • Application Navigator tabs: All Applications, Favorites, and History.
  • All Applications lists applications/modules based on user access.
  • Favorites tab shows starred applications/modules for quick access.
  • History tab tracks recently visited modules and records (up to recent 10 days).
  • Filter Navigator allows quick search within the navigator.

Navigation and Usage

  • Users access and use modules via the Application Navigator.
  • Creating records or using module functionalities happens in the Content Frame after selection.

Branding Overview and Configuration

  • Branding customizes the instance with company logo, name, color themes, etc.
  • Access branding via "Basic Configuration UI 16" under System Properties for UI 16.
  • Options include changing banner image, instance name, background color, date and time formats.
  • Welcome page content (e.g., About, Login page messages) can be customized under "System UI" > "Welcome Page Content".

Key Terms & Definitions

  • ServiceNow Instance — A unique deployment of ServiceNow for an organization.
  • UI 16/UI 15 — Two versions of the ServiceNow user interface; UI 16 is newer with updated features.
  • Banner Frame — The top section of ServiceNow; contains logo, user options, and system tools.
  • Application Navigator — Sidebar for accessing applications and modules.
  • Content Frame — Main area displaying forms, lists, and pages.
  • Edge — Additional UI element in UI 15, not present in UI 16.
  • Favorites — Marked modules/applications for quick access.
  • History — List of recently accessed modules and records.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice switching between UI 15 and UI 16 in your ServiceNow instance.
  • Customize the branding of your ServiceNow instance as demonstrated.
  • Explore the Application Navigator tabs and try using Favorites and History.

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