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

 Release :

    - zurich

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Zurich Build or modify applications

ft:clusterId :

    - cadev

bundleId :

    - cadev

workflow :

    - Development, Data, and Analytics


---

# Create an application

# Create an application using Build Agent {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Zurich  
Updated August 19, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 3 minutes to read  
Create a custom application by describing your requirements in plain language to Build Agent. The AI agent generates and builds the application code based on your input.

## Before you begin

Install and enable Build Agent. For more information, see [Install Build Agent](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/KWC5R6B2opNPj4rvk55EbQ "For the Premium version of Build Agent, install the ServiceNow Otto for Creator application from the ServiceNow Store.").  
If you prefer to access Build Agent in the ServiceNow IDE, you must first create a workspace. For more information, see [Create a workspace in the ServiceNow IDE](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/_zFTimuFBeTExwZzPQqimw "Create a workspace to view and organize the applications you're working on in the ServiceNow IDE.").  
Note:  
Build Agent requires the ServiceNow SDK version 4.0 at a minimum. If you're using an older version, Build Agent prompts you to upgrade to ServiceNow SDK 4.0.

For some prompting guidelines and ideas, see [Example prompts](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/wuovSgfIITreoH~B55Eekw "Explore example prompts for building apps, as well as adding governance, UI and other ServiceNow metadata to help you get started with prompting Build Agent.").

Role required: admin

## About this task

A ServiceNow app is a package that performs a specific task for a specified group of users. Think of an app as a container with a set of rules around who can access and edit it. For example, ServiceNow apps can include an API, a table, a workspace, a form, a flow, or any combination of those things.

## Procedure

1. Navigate to AllApp DevelopmentServiceNow Studio.  
   You can also open Build Agent in the ServiceNow IDE if you prefer a more code-centric experience.  
   ServiceNow Studio opens. Use the central chat area on the ServiceNow Studio home page to start a new Build Agent conversation. You can access an existing conversation by selecting the Conversations icon ![]() in the Navigator panel.Figure 1. Build Agent in ServiceNow Studio
2. In the chat panel, describe the application that you want to create in plain language or select a prompt.

   | Scenario | Actions |
   | Describe the app you want to create | Describe the application that you want to create, and then select the Send icon ![](). For example, <kbd class="ph userinput">Create a basic to-do task tracker app with a user interface. Name the application Planner.</kbd> You can also attach images, such as architectural diagrams or UI wireframes, to provide context for prompts. |
   | Select a predetermined prompt | 1. Select Create an app from the Application list. 2. Describe the application that you want to create, including as much context as possible, and then select the Send icon ![](). For example, include roles, data requirements, and success criteria. {#create-a-new-application-using-build-agent__ol_chs_1k2_lgc} |
   |-|-|

   {#create-a-new-application-using-build-agent__choicetable_qzh_hj2_lgc}  
   After reviewing your requirements, Build Agent requests confirmation to proceed with creating the application.
3. Instruct Build Agent to start developing the application by selecting Approve plan.  
   Or, if you're not satisfied with the plan, tell Build Agent what you change, and continue to prompt until you have a plan you like. Figure 2. Approving the plan  
   Build Agent can access ServiceNow knowledge sources and tools, which enable it to learn, analyze, and then create applications.  
   After creating the application, Build Agent builds the application.  
   Note:  
   You can preview the code files before approval. But to see the actual metadata output, you must build and install the application on the instance.
4. If your application has a user interface, you can preview the app in a tab in ServiceNow Studio to inspect how it looks.  
   You can keep prompting to refine the app, its appearance, and functionality. For more information, see [Edit an existing application using Build Agent](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/9eV8_kmaQ08AIBfE_0pifw "Use natural language prompts to modify an existing application in Build Agent. You can describe changes in plain language and review, refine, and approve updates before the application is built and installed.").

## Result

Review the application and its metadata in ServiceNow Studio using the change log. For more information, see [Build Agent checkpoints and conversation change log](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/qkjUVThWXtpy9tSVy~piDg "The conversation change log tracks every change Build Agent makes to your application. It appears automatically in an integrated tab in ServiceNow Studio and lets you view updates, roll back to a previous checkpoint, and deploy changes to an update set."). You can also review the application using the File Navigator in ServiceNow Studio. For more information, see [Find an app or app file using the Navigator panel](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/B0Pn7TtHbGtPZn2AxUdBUA "Use the Navigator panel in ServiceNow Studio to find and open an app or app file.").

For information on troubleshooting issues, see [Issues and solutions in Build Agent](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/eVrFWTt0WWK_KSEJUYnrfg "Identify and resolve common issues in Build Agent.").  
Build Agent displays the details of your app in a new ServiceNow Studio tab.Figure 3. Planner tracker app build summary  
If you want to view source code, open the ServiceNow IDE within ServiceNow Studio and select the Explorer view from the Navigator panel. The ServiceNow Fluent application code and other source code in the src directory appears.Figure 4. App code in the ServiceNow IDE   

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