---
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


---

# Generate apps

# Generate apps in ServiceNow Studio {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Zurich  
Updated July 24, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read  
Use the app generation skill to build an application in ServiceNow Studio by describing your business process in a conversation with ServiceNow Otto®.

## Before you begin

To use app generation, enable the skill in the AI Admin Hub. For more information, see [Turn on the app generation skill](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/oFvSWxs4eiQIorLU_90VnQ "Install the ServiceNow Otto for Creator application so that you can get started with creating an application for your organization.").  
Role required: now_assist_panel_user  
Note:  
To edit (not create) apps, assign users the delegated_developer or now_assist_panel_user role.

## About this task

When the app generation skill is turned on, the ServiceNow Otto® icon (![Now Assist icon.]()) appears on the home page banner.

## Procedure

1. Open the ServiceNow Otto® panel by navigating to App EngineServiceNow Studio and selecting the ServiceNow Otto® icon.  
   ![ServiceNow Otto icon highlighted in banner.]()
2. In the ServiceNow Otto® panel, select Create an app.  
   ServiceNow Otto® asks you to describe your application.
3. Describe your current business process.  
   Include your application's use case so that ServiceNow Otto® understands the purpose of your application. Provide detailed requirements if you have them, or start with a broad description so that ServiceNow Otto® can help narrow down your application's requirements.
4. Provide details about how you want the app to work.  
   ServiceNow Otto® asks questions to understand the data to be collected, the users involved and their permissions, and the desired interface. Your answers help ServiceNow Otto® create the correct tables, roles, access control lists (ACLs), forms, and record producers for your application. You can also ask ServiceNow Otto® to create a workspace (user interface) and flow (automation) for your application.

   If you know exactly how you want your app to work, be specific about its functionality. If you do not, describe what you know and collaborate with ServiceNow Otto® to determine the correct application requirements. For more information, see [General guidelines for using app generation](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/LNoDjiDTn4vmy5CjXrP5Kw "To get the best results from app generation, provide clear and detailed descriptions of your application requirements during your conversation with ServiceNow Otto.").
5. Preview, finalize, and then generate the app.
   1. If necessary, select Make changes to continue editing.  
      Continue the conversation with ServiceNow Otto® until the summary matches your application's requirements.
   2. When the application requirements are accurate, select Preview app.  

      The preview opens and displays a list of app files. Filter the app files list and narrow the search as needed. Select any app file to view details. For example, select a role to see if it grants users create, read, write,
      or delete permissions. If your app contains a record producer, select it to see the form and fields. As you continue previewing and requesting updates with ServiceNow Otto®, changes such as adding a new role appear as the preview pane loads.  
      Note:  
      Workspaces and flows depend on tables, so these application features are generated after tables and when you save the application.

      Note:  
      If the Now Assist panel is covering information, select the Now Assist icon ![]() to close the panel. Select the icon again to open the panel and continue the conversation.

      When you finish previewing, select an option:  
      * Save files and open app generates the app and opens it in ServiceNow Studio for you to review and edit. If you included workspaces (user interface) or flows (automation) in your application, their metadata is generated when you save the application.
      * Make changes continues the conversation with ServiceNow Otto® so you can refine and edit the app. The app preview updates after ServiceNow Otto® applies your changes.
      * Discard and start over deletes the current app and resets the conversation in the ServiceNow Otto® panel.
      {#sns-app-gen-using-landing__ul_bnt_zx2_ddc}

      For more information about ServiceNow Studio, see [ServiceNow Studio](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/IO2fJSLFNA~45TeA0N9J6A "ServiceNow Studio provides a unified experience for all ServiceNow development activities, enabling admins and developers to extend base system solutions and create custom apps with ease. Use ServiceNow Studio to build apps and app files with integrated tools, access and edit app metadata in scoped and global apps, and package app changes for deployment, all in one powerful development tool.").
   {#sns-app-gen-using-landing__substeps_xmt_zx2_ddc}
{#sns-app-gen-using-landing__steps_ntw_m3y_w1c}

## Result

Use the tools in ServiceNow Studio to add more features and enhance your app. For more information, see [Create an application in ServiceNow Studio](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/HvdaVESzN4jI_t3~kwt38g "Create a custom application in ServiceNow Studio. After creating the foundations of your app, you can add data, automation, or many other types of app files using integrated development tools and builders in ServiceNow Studio.") and [Create an app file in ServiceNow Studio](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/0bkcpD4LvzXGzFYwNty3vw "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.").
* **[Add a workspace to a custom application with app generation](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/AB1wKFRDSNsiM7t8QAvvNA)**   
  Add a workspace to a custom application by asking ServiceNow Otto®. Describe what you want in the workspace, or ask ServiceNow Otto® for recommendations.
* **[Add a flow to a custom application with app generation](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/UC2FvPnBEG~qhbbERGScyQ)**   
  Add a flow to a custom application by asking ServiceNow Otto®. Describe what you want the flow to do, or ask ServiceNow Otto® for suggestions.
* **[Review and edit applications built using app generation](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/KqrhEHDWO8PPDPFY0SKBBg)**   
  After app generation creates an application, review and modify it in ServiceNow Studio to verify accuracy and extend functionality.

*[\>]: and then