Adding variables for columns in a simple list data visualization

[User147276]

When creating a simple list data visualization and I want to use variables from a catalog item for some of the columns, however the UI experience is terrible.  I am hopeful that this is just a user error on my part.

I have created a simple list data vis on the sc_task table and clicked variables in the 'columns to add'. 
When I click variables, I am presented with a list of EVERY variable in our catalog and cannot find a way to choose which specific catalog item that I want to select the variables from.  (In legacy reports, we could write a query to only show the variables for a specific catalog item)

Hopefully this is user error on my part!  Please advise

[AnirudhKumar]

I can only think of a hack. Prefix your catalog item's Question field values with 'Aaaaaa' so that they show up right at the top of the UI... After selecting them on the UI, you can revert 

[gregg10]

I'm hitting exactly this same issue.  It makes it very difficult.  You also can't use search to find catalog item / record producer.  Finally, search doesn't seem to work on variables unless you've loaded it into the list by scrolling down.  I plan to open a support case.

[Ankur Bawiskar]

@User147276 

Unfortunately there is no other way to handle this unless ServiceNow adds some improvement in this in coming versions.

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

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

Hi @User147276 

There is an upcoming session on platform analytics.

Join us on April 1st, 2026, for our next Ask the Experts Academy session! These sessions fill up fast and are first-come, first-served — so arrive early and come prepared with your questions. This is your opportunity to get direct answers from our team of experts on the topics that matter most to you. Don't miss it!!!

https://www.servicenow.com/community/performance-analytics-blog/platform-analytics-academy-april-1st...