Exploring Theme Features in the Xanadu Release

[WORKFLOW-COWBOY]

Introduction

Welcome to the article version of my video on ServiceNow's new Theme features in the Xanadu release. In this brief overview, I'll walk you through the exciting updates and capabilities that this release brings to theming within the Now Platform. Whether you're a developer, admin, or simply curious about the latest advancements, this article will provide you with the knowledge and tools to start leveraging these new features. If you prefer to watch a quick demonstration, check out the video here.

Xanadu Release: A New Era in Theming

The Xanadu release introduces several key enhancements to the theming experience within ServiceNow, building on the foundation laid by previous versions. These updates are designed to provide users with greater flexibility, ease of use, and customization options, making it easier than ever to create visually cohesive and personalized interfaces.

Theme Builder Enhancements

With the Xanadu release, Theme Builder has received several upgrades that streamline the customization process. New features include:

• Publish Multiple Themes: Now, you can publish multiple themes along with their alternate color palettes directly to your web instance. This feature allows you to set a default theme for your users, simplifying theme management.

• Alternate Color Palettes: Add a dark alternate color palette to your themes to cater to different user preferences and enhance your brand's style. You can also edit these palettes for further customization.

• Presentation Order of Themes: Administrators can now define the order in which themes are presented in the Next Experience user preferences, offering a more organized and user-friendly experience.

• Independent Management of Web and Mobile Themes: The updated Manager view allows you to manage web and mobile theming experiences separately, giving you greater control over your branding across devices.

• Unified Theme Management: Each core theme and its associated alternate color palettes are now displayed within a single theme card in the Manager view, making theme management more intuitive.

Custom Themes: For the Experts

For users with advanced needs, the Xanadu release continues to support custom themes. These provide unparalleled flexibility but require significant CSS knowledge and maintenance effort. Custom themes remain the go-to solution for organizations with highly specific branding requirements.

Best Practices for Theming

When working with the new Theme features in Xanadu, consider the following best practices:

• Start with Out-of-the-Box: If possible, begin with an out-of-the-box theme and modify it to suit your needs. This approach saves time and ensures greater compatibility across upgrades.
• Utilize Theme Builder for Moderate Customizations: For those requiring a balance between customization and ease of use, Theme Builder offers a powerful middle ground.
• Custom Themes as a Last Resort: Only opt for fully custom themes when absolutely necessary, and ensure you have the resources to maintain them.

Conclusion

The Xanadu release significantly enhances the theming capabilities of the Now Platform, providing tools that cater to a wide range of user needs—from out-of-the-box simplicity to advanced customization. Start exploring these new features today, and transform the look and feel of your ServiceNow instance.

For a visual walkthrough, don't forget to watch my quick video overview here.

Resources

• Xanadu Theme Builder Release Notes: [https://docs.servicenow.com/bundle/xanadu-release-notes/page/release-notes/now-platform-user-interfa...]