Is it possible to create tabs in a ServiceNow Catalog Item?
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3 weeks ago
I am working on a Service Catalog Item in ServiceNow where I have a large number of variables (around 30–40 fields). To improve the user experience, I want to organize these variables into multiple tabs within the same catalog item.
PFA.
Thankyou in advance !
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3 weeks ago
Hi Sai,
Good question this is a very common requirement when dealing with large catalog items.
Yes, it is possible to achieve a tab-like experience, but not directly using OOB catalog variables. You’ll need to use a workaround.
1. OOB behavior (limitation)
ServiceNow Catalog Items do not support tabs natively for variables.
- Variables are displayed in a single form
- Only basic grouping (Variable Sets, Containers) is available
2. Recommended approach → Use Containers + UI Policies (Tab Simulation)
You can simulate tabs using:
- Container Start / End variables
- UI Policies or Client Scripts
- Custom buttons or select box to switch sections
Approach:
- Create multiple containers:
- Personal Information
- Professional Details
- Spouse Information
- Previous Company
- Add a variable (e.g., Select Tab) with choices:
- Personal
- Professional
- Spouse
- Previous
- Use UI Policies:
- Show/Hide containers based on selected tab
This gives a tab-like behavior.
3. Better UX option → Use Catalog Client Script (for real tab feel)
You can enhance it by:
- Creating UI Macro / HTML field
- Add buttons styled as tabs
- Use onClick() to show/hide sections
This requires some frontend scripting but gives a much cleaner UI like your screenshot.
4. Alternative → Use Order Guides or Multiple Catalog Items
If the form is too large:
- Split into multiple steps using Order Guide
- Or break into multiple catalog items
This is more maintainable but changes UX flow.
5. Service Portal vs Workspace
If you're using Service Portal:
- You can implement tabs using Widget customization (AngularJS)
- This is the most flexible and closest to real tabs
6. Best practice recommendation
Use Containers + UI Policies (quick and supported)
Use Portal Widget if you need polished UI
Avoid overloading a single item with too many variables
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3 weeks ago - last edited 3 weeks ago
Hi @Sai_snow ,
OOB , ServiceNow catalog items do not support native tabs for variables . You can use container to make those variables display in 2 column.
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3 weeks ago - last edited 3 weeks ago
Hi @Sai_snow ,
ServiceNow does not have an inbuilt option to create tabs in a Catalog Item form.
To manage a large number of fields, the recommended approach is to use Containers. Containers help group related fields together and allow you to display them in two columns or structured sections, making the form easier to read and fill.
This method helps improve the user experience without any custom development and works smoothly across upgrades.
https://www.servicenow.com/community/itsm-blog/utilizing-two-columns-in-catalog-items/ba-p/2267669
Youtube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onMhpldmI_s
Hope this resolves your issue 😊Mark this correct and close the thread if it helped .👍
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