Scripting
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
01-21-2026 01:23 AM
What's the use case for disabling syntax highlighting in the Script Editor?
noticed there's a feature in the ServiceNow Script Editor that allows you to disable syntax highlighting and script formatting. I'm curious - what's the practical reason for this feature?
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
01-21-2026 01:24 AM
I don't think it has any use-case.
I have never seen any developer disabling that.
💡 If my response helped, please mark it as correct ✅ and close the thread 🔒— this helps future readers find the solution faster! 🙏
Ankur
✨ Certified Technical Architect || ✨ 10x ServiceNow MVP || ✨ ServiceNow Community Leader
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
01-21-2026 01:32 AM
Hi @Shreneek
It might simply be to give users a plain text option. Some users may want to use it as plain text rather than code. I know this isn’t a strong explanation, but it could be one possible reason.
Regards
Dr. Atul G. - Learn N Grow Together
ServiceNow Techno - Functional Trainer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dratulgrover
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnNGrowTogetherwithAtulG
Topmate: https://topmate.io/dratulgrover [ Connect for 1-1 Session]
****************************************************************************************************************
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
01-21-2026 02:39 AM
Hi @Shreneek,
it's just the code visualisation, if you disable it will look like a simple text, no colours.
Disabled on the left, enabled on the right:
This is for user preferences... I guess the left side was the original legacy option and with time the right side was introduced giving the chance to select. Nothing else really.
100 % GlideFather experience and 0 % generative AI
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
01-21-2026 03:32 AM
Hello @Shreneek ,
I don’t think there is any strong use case for disabling this option. When the enhanced Script Editor is enabled, it provides features similar to Visual Studio Code, such as auto-completion, syntax highlighting, and error indication for incorrect syntax. These features make development easier, faster, and more interactive.
When this option is disabled, the editor behaves like a normal notepad, where you write code without any assistance, highlighting, or validation support, which is generally not helpful for developers
If this helps you then mark it as helpful and accept as solution.
Regards,
Aditya,
technical Consultant

