Table of Contents
source on Google
Blog Summary
- ServiceNow shortcuts focus on creating a simpler way of navigating and using utility pages faster.
- ServiceNow shortcut keyboard keys differ between Windows and MAC. Ctrl is replaced by Command, and Alt is replaced by the Option key.
- Table shortcuts help admins check different types of records without the need to search for each of them every time.
Working with ServiceNow as an Admin might seem like a difficult task, but what if we give you shortcuts? Not to bypass the rules, but to make your admin tasks easier, faster, and more efficient.
This is the ServiceNow Admin Shortcuts, a document covering Navigation commands, keyboard shortcuts and admin utility pages. You can keep it next to your keyboard or add it to your device notes and use it whenever needed.
1. Navigation shortcuts
To use the navigation shortcuts, type the given command in the Filter Navigator, then press Enter to jump to a table list, form or configuration.
| Type / Press | What it does |
|---|---|
| incident.list | Opens the list view of the table |
| incident.form / incident.do | Opens a new record form for the table |
| incident.config | Opens the table configuration view (same as right-click list header, Configure, All) |
| incident.filter | Opens the list without loading records, useful for very large tables |
Replace incident with any table name. Use all caps (.LIST, .FORM, .CONFIG) to open the result in a new tab.
2. Keyboard shortcuts
Knowing keyboard shortcuts is hands down the easiest way to speed up your admin tasks. Moving from navigation filter to impersonating a user, to opening JavaScript executor, you can do it all without scrolling through dropdowns.
| Type / Press | What it does |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Alt + F | Jump to the navigation filter |
| Ctrl + Alt + A | Collapse or expand the application navigator |
| Ctrl + Alt + G | Activate global search |
| Ctrl + Shift + I | Impersonate a user |
| Ctrl + Shift + J | Open the JavaScript Executor (trigger it while on a form, such as an Incident) |
Sometimes the shortcuts might not work, as they can be disabled in your system settings. Also, some browser extensions can conflict with them.
Remember, these shortcuts are for Windows, and for Mac users, the ALT key is replaced with the Option key, and Ctrl is replaced by the Command key.
3. Admin utility pages
To check the instance details, list of applications, scopes, and users in one step, use the admin utility pages. These commands are also to be typed in the Filter Navigator.
| Type / Press | What it does |
|---|---|
| stats.do | Instance version, node information and memory stats. Handy when support asks which build you are on. |
| sys_app.list | All custom applications |
| sys_scope.list | All application scopes |
| sys_user.list | Jump straight to users |
4. Common tables
There are numerous different records that you come across while working in your ServiceNow instance. To check these records, type the table name as given below and add “.list” as a suffix.
For example, type sys_script.list to see all business rules.
| Record | Table |
|---|---|
| Users | sys_user |
| Groups | sys_user_group |
| Roles | sys_user_role |
| Incidents | incident |
| Problems | problem |
| Changes | change_request |
| Requests | sc_request |
| Requested items | sc_req_item |
| Config items (CMDB) | cmdb_ci |
| Tables | sys_db_object |
| Dictionary | sys_dictionary |
| System properties | sys_properties |
| Business rules | sys_script |
| Client scripts | sys_script_client |
| Script includes | sys_script_include |
| UI policies | sys_ui_policy |
| UI actions | sys_ui_action |
| ACLs | sys_security_acl |
| Update sets | sys_update_set |
Tips to Remember while using Shortcuts Safely
Using shortcuts is definitely one of the best ways to make your work efficient, but it is also important to understand that using them right is crucial. Below are some basic tips to use these safely.
- Impersonate before assuming: You can duplicate a user issue by impersonating them and end the impersonation afterwards. Remember not to do anything destructive while impersonating.
- Sub-production first: Shortcuts help in opening tables easily, even the sensitive ones. It is important to ensure that you make the edits in production carefully.
- Check your roles: Some tools and shortcuts can only be used by admins or require an admin role. If you have difficulty using any shortcuts, check your roles.
- Release differences: Shortcuts can be different based on release, UI experience and settings. Always test on your own instance, or in a free Personal Developer Instance.
Want to master ServiceNow with hands-on labs?
Learning shortcuts is one thing and using them while working is another. Shortcuts do save time, but confidence in using them comes with practice. It is important for Servcienow professionals to practice these shortcuts on the instance or the free PDI platform.
This blog covers navigation, tables, ACLs, and business rules for real instance practice. If you are confused about how to use shortcuts, reach out to S2 Labs ServiceNow Admin training for hands-on practice alongside industry experts.
