---
sourceDocument: Zurich ServiceNow AI Platform Capabilities
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/zurich/servicenow-platform
Release :
- zurich
ft:locale :
- en-US
ft:publication_title :
- Zurich ServiceNow AI Platform Capabilities
ft:clusterId :
- platcap
bundleId :
- platcap
workflow :
- Platform
---
# Service Catalog variable attributes
# Service Catalog variable attributes {#ariaid-title1}
* Release version: Zurich
*
* Updated July 31, 2025
*
*  3 minutes to read
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## Summary of Service Catalog Variable Attributes
ServiceNow's Service Catalog allows for the customization of catalog variables through specific attributes that define their behavior and restrictions.
These attributes can be configured in the Variable attributes field under the Type Specifications tab of the Catalog variable form.
Multiple attributes can be specified by using commas, and multiple values for each attribute can be separated by semicolons.
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## Key Features
* **allowedextensions:** Specifies allowed file types (e.g., *allowedextensions=txt;pdf*) for attachments.
* **barcode:** Indicates if a barcode can be scanned (e.g., *barcode=true*) for single-line text variables.
* **maxfilesize:** Sets the maximum file size for attachments (e.g., *maxfilesize=2* for 2 MB).
* **glidelist:** Changes the list collector interface from slushbucket to glide list.
* **issearchablechoice:** Enables search functionality for selecting values in lookup select boxes (e.g., *issearchablechoice=true*).
* **maxlength:** Limits the number of characters inputted (e.g., *maxlength=200* for address entry).
* **maxunit:** Defines the maximum time unit for duration variables (e.g., *maxunit=minutes*).
* **nofilter:** Hides filter fields above list collectors.
* **refaccolumns:** Specifies additional columns for auto-completion (e.g., *refaccolumns=username;email;syscreatedon*).
* **refacorderby:** Determines the sorting column for auto-completion (e.g., *refacorderby=name*).
* **refautocompleter:** Defines the JavaScript class for auto-completion choices (e.g., *AJAXReferenceCompleter*).
* **refqualelements:** Lists fields sent back to the server for updated references.
## Key Outcomes
By configuring these variable attributes, ServiceNow customers can enhance the functionality and user experience of their Service Catalog. This customization enables better control over data input, improves usability through features like auto-completion and search capabilities, and ensures compliance with specific requirements for file uploads and text entries. Customers can expect a more tailored and efficient catalog experience for their users.
There are a few Service Catalog variables support specific attributes to
define the behavior and restrictions for variables.
In the Catalog variable form, under the Type Specifications tab, you
can specify the variable attributes in the Variable attributes
field.
Note:
* You can enter multiple attributes for a variable type by separating each with a comma.
* You can enter multiple values for an attribute by separating each with a semicolon.
* If you don't see the Variable attributes field, enable the Show attributes when Type is One of Certain Values UI policy.
* Pre-selected values are not cleared automatically when the dependent variable value changes when using an attribute or reference qualifier. Create a client script to clear the values based on your needs and the needs of your customer.
{#variable-attributes__ul_fjs_mwh_bmb}
## Variable attributes {#variable-attributes__section_wlf_1hz_dmb}
allowed_extensions
: Specifies a list of allowed file types. For example,
allowed_extensions=txt;pdf.
Applicable variables: Attachment
barcode
: Specifies if the barcode can be scanned using the mobile camera for identifying a
variable value of a catalog item. For example,
barcode=true.
Applicable variables: Single Line Text
max_file_size
: Specifies the maximum file size in MB. For example,
max_file_size=2.
Applicable variables: Attachment
glide_list
: Changes the list collector interface from slushbucket to glide list.
Applicable variables: List collector
is_searchable_choice
: If set to true, enables you to search for and select the required value for the variable. For example, is_searchable_choice=true.
Note:
* For Lookup select box, a default value is available at the page load itself.
* This attribute is not applicable in Service Portal.
{#variable-attributes__ul_p4t_vjd_t2b} Applicable variables: Lookup select box, Select box
max_length
: Sets the maximum number of characters allowed in the field. By default, the field
accepts long strings of text, several thousand characters. Set the
max_length attribute as appropriate for the information that
the variable is collecting. For example, to allow for entry of an address, set
max_length=200, or other appropriate length.
Applicable variables: Single-line text, Wide single-line text
max_unit
: Sets the maximum unit of time for the duration. Possible values are
max_unit=days,max_unit=hours,max_unit=minutes,
and max_unit=seconds.
For example, if
max_unit=minutes, the duration is displayed in minutes and
seconds. In this case, a duration of 2 days 3 hours 5 minutes 15 seconds is displayed
as 3065 minutes 15 seconds.
Applicable variables: Duration
no_filter
: Hides the filter fields that appear above a list collector.
Applicable variables: List collector
ref_ac_columns
: Specifies the columns with display values that appear in an auto-completion list in addition to the name. Separate column names with a semicolon. For example,
ref_ac_columns=user_name;email;sys_created_on allows auto-complete to match text from the user_name, email, and sys_created_on columns.
Applicable variables: Reference,
Requested For.
ref_ac_order_by
: Specifies the column that is used to sort the auto-completion list. For example,
ref_ac_order_by=name sorts the auto-completion choices
alphabetically by name.
Applicable variables: Reference
ref_auto_completer
: Specifies the name of a JavaScript class (client-side) that creates the list for
auto-completion choices. Valid class values include:
* AJAXReferenceCompleter: Displays matching auto-complete choices as a drop-down list. The list only displays the display value column of the reference table. If there is no other auto-completion class specified, reference fields automatically use this class.
* AJAXTableCompleter: Displays matching auto-complete choices as rows in a table. The table displays the display value column of the reference table and any columns listed in the ref_ac_columns attribute.
* AJAXReferenceChoice: Displays matching auto-complete choices as a drop-down list. The list only displays the display value column of the reference table. The list only displays up to 25 matching choices. If there are more than 25 auto-complete choices, the reference field instead displays the choices with the AJAXTableCompleter class.
{#variable-attributes__ul_gjv_qy2_cz}Applicable variables: Reference
ref_qual_elements
: A list of fields to be sent back to the server to get an updated
reference.
Applicable variables: Lookup multiple choice, Lookup select box, List Collector.
Important:
Attribute behavior is specific to the service catalog desktop.
**Related tasks**
* [Define help information for a service catalog variable](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/tkm2ZdsETiWOrdDTgaFncg "Enter help information for a variable to help users determine what info they must provide for a service catalog variable.")
* [Define a question choice for a variable](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/IZfDl2WPs6UPf~eAmsoIaQ "Define a question choice for a variable with service catalog.")