Collapse variable sections by default when opening an RITM

Puneet Hegde1
Tera Guru

Hi all,

In ServiceNow, when I open a Requested Item (RITM) in the platform UI, the Variables area loads with variable sets expanded by default (e.g., User Info, Reservation Details).

I want the variable sets to be collapsed/minimised by default when the RITM form loads, so agents can expand only when needed.

Current behaviour (undesired)

  • Variable sets under Variables automatically expand when the RITM loads.

  • This makes the RITM form very long and pushes important fields down.

Expected behavior

  • Variable sets should be collapsed by default on initial load.

  • Users can click “+” to expand a section when required.

Screenshots (for reference)

  • Before (collapsed view desired): variable sets show with “+” and are minimised.Screenshot 2026-01-14 at 12.42.40.png

  • After (current behavior): variable sets open automatically and all variables are visible.Screenshot 2026-01-14 at 12.41.34.png

What I’m looking for

What is the best practice / OOB way to achieve this?

  • Is there a supported configuration to collapse variable sets by default on RITM?

  • If not, what’s the recommended approach?

    • UI Policy / Client Script?

    • Catalogue UI Macro / Variable set config?

    • Workspace vs Platform differences?

    • Any known limitations?

If anyone has done this before, please share what worked (and where it should be implemented).

Thanks!

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Ankur Bawiskar
Tera Patron

@Puneet Hegde1 

I don't think OOTB any config is available to auto-minimize it

You can create onLoad client script on RITM and use DOM manipulation to minimize that in native

Note: DOM manipulation is not recommended practice and won't work on workspace

💡 If my response helped, please mark it as correct and close the thread 🔒— this helps future readers find the solution faster! 🙏

Regards,
Ankur
Certified Technical Architect  ||  9x ServiceNow MVP  ||  ServiceNow Community Leader

View solution in original post

1 REPLY 1

Ankur Bawiskar
Tera Patron

@Puneet Hegde1 

I don't think OOTB any config is available to auto-minimize it

You can create onLoad client script on RITM and use DOM manipulation to minimize that in native

Note: DOM manipulation is not recommended practice and won't work on workspace

💡 If my response helped, please mark it as correct and close the thread 🔒— this helps future readers find the solution faster! 🙏

Regards,
Ankur
Certified Technical Architect  ||  9x ServiceNow MVP  ||  ServiceNow Community Leader