---
sourceDocument: Yokohama Build or modify applications
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/yokohama/application-development

 Release :

    - yokohama

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Yokohama Build or modify applications

ft:clusterId :

    - cadev

bundleId :

    - cadev

workflow :

    - Development, Data, and Analytics


---

# Create an app file in ServiceNow Studio

# Create an app file in ServiceNow Studio {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Yokohama
* 
* Updated January 30, 2025
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read

Create an app file to define an aspect of how an application functions. For example, you could add a security file using ServiceNow Studio to define which users can access the app.

## Before you begin

Role required: admin or delegated_developer

## About this task

Application files are essentially metadata records for application logic such as business rules, workflows, and script includes. For more information on app files, see [Application files](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/uKcWc_nBqS_3ZWbINypaAA "Application files are configuration records that allow developers to extend application functionality.") and [Working with metadata app file categories in the ServiceNow Studio Navigator](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/T_PNE5BAtGwKDK2fMeeNXQ "ServiceNow Studio enables you to work with all types of metadata that the ServiceNow AI Platform supports, from automations and integrations to user interface files.").

Delegated developers have access to create app files for apps they have access to. If you need an app created, contact your admin.

## Procedure

1. Navigate to AllApp EngineServiceNow Studio.
2. Select either the Create icon (![create icon]()) next to the Navigator panel or the Create button.  
   Figure 1. Select either Create button
3. Select File.
4. Specify which scope the file belongs to by entering it in the Application field.  
   Note:  
   If you are creating a file directly from within an app, the Application field is populated with the name of the application.
   If you want the app file to be available to all apps, select the Global scope.

5. Select the card for the type of file you want to create.  
   You can find the file type in several ways:
   * Filter the available types by selecting one of the metadata categories in the left of the integrated tab.
   * Enter the type of file you're looking for in the search bar.
   * Choose from the list of Recent file types.

   {#sn-studio-create-app-file__ul_xz3_hgh_qcc}  
   Note:  
   The types of available files you see depends on your permissions. If you're expecting to see a certain file type but don't see it, contact your administrator.

   For a list of all types of metadata that you can use to create app files, see [ServiceNow Studio Navigator panel taxonomy](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/ONBqQp2CDUG~rUtciXU~Kw "Learn more about each metadata file type and its corresponding primary table in the File categories tab of the ServiceNow Studio Navigator panel."). For more information about each file type, see [Working with metadata app file categories in the ServiceNow Studio Navigator](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/T_PNE5BAtGwKDK2fMeeNXQ "ServiceNow Studio enables you to work with all types of metadata that the ServiceNow AI Platform supports, from automations and integrations to user interface files.").
6. Select Continue.  
   The record for the app file opens in the same integrated browser tab in ServiceNow Studio.
7. Fill in the form with the details for the new app file.  
   The form fields vary depending on the type of file you created.
8. Select Submit.

## What to do next

After you finish creating the app file, you must select the refresh icon in the Navigator panel for it to appear in the list of app files.

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