what is the difference between form layout and form builder

[M Iftikhar]

Hi @swethasnow2 , Form Layout is the classic editor. It is great for quickly adding fields or sections but lacks a visual interface.

Form Builder is the newer, visual tool. You can drag and drop fields, create sections, build multi-column layouts, and see the form preview as you work. It’s easier to use and is now the recommended way to build forms.

If my response helped, please mark it as the accepted solution so others can benefit as well.

[Jessica40]

Form Layout

Purpose:
A fast, utility-style tool for adding, removing, or reordering fields and sections on a form.

Key Characteristics:

• List-style interface (two-column pick list).

• Focused on field placement only.

• No drag-and-drop visualization.

• Cannot configure UI policies, client scripts, or view rules.

• Best for quick structural changes.

• Available in both classic UI and newer UIs.

Typical use cases:

• Add a newly created field to a form.

• Remove or reorder a field.

• Add a section or move fields between sections.
  
  

Form Builder

Purpose:
A visual, drag-and-drop design tool for building complex forms and configurations in a single interface.

Key Characteristics:

• Graphical, drag-and-drop editor.

• Shows an actual live preview of the form as users will see it.

• Allows configuration of Form Layout + UI Policies + Client Scripts + View Rules in one place.

• Supports tab creation, sections, related lists, and advanced form behaviors.

• Modern tool built for UI modernization (e.g., Workspace, Mobile).

Typical use cases:

• Designing a new form from scratch visually.

• Creating a form with complex layout rules.

• Managing visibility/behavior using policies directly in the builder.

• Workspace form configuration.

[Sarthak Kashyap]

Hi @swethasnow2 ,

Initially we have only form layout in ServiceNow to add or remove any field on form level, we can also play with sections, create new view, create new fields.

Form Design is other functionality given by ServiceNow, here also we can take care of all our things here

sections, create new view, create new fields.

https://www.servicenow.com/docs/bundle/zurich-platform-administration/page/administer/form-administr...

Form Builder is new functionality given by ServiceNow 

Check below official link for Form Builder

https://www.servicenow.com/docs/bundle/zurich-application-development/page/administer/form-builder/c...

Please mark my answer correct and helpful if this works for you

Thanks and Regards,

Sarthak

[PrashantLearnIT]

HI @swethasnow2 

Form Builder offers a modern way to add fields using a drag-and-drop interface with real-time visibility, making it much more user-friendly especially for non-technical users.

Form Layout, on the other hand, is the older, more traditional method of adding fields to a form and provides a simpler, less interactive experience.