Matrix Loader: CSV rules upload

Use the Matrix Loader to bulk create, edit, and export rules in ServiceNow CPQ. Define rule conditions, actions, and logic in a CSV file to streamline configuration management and automate large-scale updates.

The the Matrix Loader enables administrators to efficiently upload and manage all rule types in ServiceNow CPQ. Instead of manually creating each rule in the Admin interface, you can define them in a spreadsheet, export the sheet to CSV format, and upload it directly into the environment. This enables faster configuration setup, easier testing, and simplified migration between sandbox and production environments.

Rules upload structure

Each row in the CSV file represents a rule record. The following table outlines the columns and data that the Matrix Loader accepts for rule uploads.

Table 1. Accepted columns and data for rule uploads

Column Name	Description	Valid Values	Notes
record_type	Identifies this as a rule upload	rule	Required
rule_name	Name displayed on the rule list Admin page	Valid strings can be composed of up to 255 characters, including letters, numbers, spaces, and the following special characters: {}[]()|\~`_^@?<=>;:/.-,+*’&%$#”!	Required
rule_variable_name	Unique string used by ServiceNow CPQ to reference the rule	Valid field variable names consist of up to 128 letters, numbers, and underscores. The first and last character must be a letter or number.	Required; must be unique
rule_description	Contextual description for administrator reference	Valid strings can be composed of up to 255 characters, including letters, numbers, spaces, and the following special characters: {}[]()|\~`_^@?<=>;:/.-,+*’&%$#”!	Optional
rule_status	Determines if the rule is active	active, inactive	Required; inactive rules are ignored by the engine
action_type	Defines the type of action executed when the rule runs	visibility, message, exclusion, inclusion, determination, product	Required
action_sub_type	Supplementary definition augmenting action_type	hide, info, warning, error, hidden, disabled, set, forceset, manufacturing, sales	Optional; depends on action_type
action_field	Field to which the action applies	<field variableName>	Required
action_value	Value applied to the action_field	Varies by action type	Required for message, exclusion, inclusion, or determination actions
action_product	Product reference for bill-of-material (BOM) actions	SFDC Product Code, Product2 ID, or External ID	Required for product actions
action_quantity	Quantity of the product added to the BOM	<positive float> or <positive integer>	Required for product actions
action_mandatory	Specifies whether a BOM product is optional or mandatory	TRUE, FALSE, <empty>	Optional; defaults to TRUE
grouping	Defines how conditions are grouped and evaluated	any, all, custom, always	Required
resource / operator / value	Defines condition tuples forming the rule logic	<field variableName>, operator, value	Resource, operator, and value together define the condition expression

Condition groupings

Condition groupings determine how rule conditions are logically combined. Supported options include:

• any: ORs all conditions defined in the row.
• all: ANDs all conditions defined in the row.
• custom: Allows complex logic expressions, such as (1 OR 2) AND 3.
• always: Applies the rule unconditionally.

Valid operators

The following operators are supported for condition evaluation:

• equals (=, ==, equals)
• not equals (!=)
• less than (<)
• less than or equal
• greater than (>)
• greater than or equal (>=)
• contains / not contains
• in / not in

General guidelines

• Always verify variable names match the field references exactly.
• Keep rule descriptions concise but descriptive to aid troubleshooting.
• Use inactive status for testing new rules before enabling in production.
• Validate grouping logic (any/all/custom) carefully to avoid unintended outcomes.
• Ensure product references (Product2 ID or External ID) align with your Salesforce configuration.

Exporting rules to CSV

Administrators can export all rule definitions from the ServiceNow CPQ environment to CSV format for review or migration. The resulting ZIP file contains a single CSV file of all exported rule definitions.

1. In the left Admin navigation pane, click Rules.
2. Optional: enter a search string and press Enter to narrow results.
3. Click Export. A message confirming export appears at the bottom of the page.
4. Open the Notification Center (bottom left) and click the Download link.

Additional information

• Valid strings may include letters, numbers, spaces, and special characters: { } [ ] ( ) | \ ~ ` _ ^ @ ? < = > ; : / . - , + * ’ & % $ # "
• Rule variable names can contain up to 255 alphanumeric characters and underscores. They must begin and end with a letter or number.
• Cells with gray backgrounds in sample files denote irrelevant fields for the current context.
• Use the provided sample files (Admin → Matrix Loader → Sample Files → Rules) as a template for formatting.

Related concepts

• Configure the Matrix Loader

Related reference

• Matrix Loader: CSV rules upload