How to set an editable default text in a string field?

[gracjan]

How to set an editable default text in a string field, Dictionary filed, such as "Description" (sort of a help text)? I am trying to add a default text that a user will be able to change. Is there a way to do it under "Change"? Please help

[Mark Roethof]

Hi there,

Maybe you mean something like a placeholder?

Can you try:

If my answer helped you in any way, please then mark it as helpful.

Kind regards,
Mark
2020 ServiceNow Community MVP
2020 ServiceNow Developer MVP

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[Michael Jones -]

You can set a default value using a client-script onload - check to see if the field has a value and if blank, set the value to your default text. 

var msg = 'Some Default Text';
if(g_form.getValue('short_description') == '') {
g_form.setValue('short_description', msg);
}

There are other ways to go about it as well, but this is probably the simplest. 

I hope this helps!

If this was helpful or correct, please be kind and remember to click appropriately!

Michael Jones - Proud member of the CloudPires team!

[gracjan]

Hi. I have a large text that I need to add to the Description box (sort of a template) so the user only add the text. Is there a way to do that? This gives me something but does not allow me to use html like <br> or <p>. Is there a way to do that?

g_form.getValue

[Michael Jones - · Accepted solution]

So, for the description field, you're not able to use HTML formatting. It only accepts plain text. 

You might consider using a template. 

https://docs.servicenow.com/bundle/orlando-platform-administration/page/administer/form-administrati...

Once you create the template, you can apply it on a record using javascript. 

https://docs.servicenow.com/bundle/orlando-platform-administration/page/administer/form-administrati...

That would at least let you create the value "as you would see it" on the form inside your template, instead of trying to format using javascript. 

I hope this helps!

If this was helpful or correct, please be kind and remember to click appropriately!

Michael Jones - Proud member of the CloudPires team!