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

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia Build or modify applications

ft:clusterId :

    - cadev

bundleId :

    - cadev

workflow :

    - Development, Data, and Analytics


---

# Personal developer instance guide

# Personal developer instance guide {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Australia
* 
* Updated March 12, 2026
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read

ServiceNow® offers free personal developer instances (PDIs) to Developer Program members to learn, explore, and experiment with the ServiceNow AI Platform®.

ServiceNow® offers free personal developer instances (PDIs) to Developer Program members who want to develop applications or improve their skills on the ServiceNow AI Platform®. PDIs provide members with a sandbox environment to experiment with the ServiceNow AI Platform and build greater value for their businesses. The ServiceNow® Developer Program allows each member to have only one instance to maximize this valuable resource for all Developer Program members.

Personal Developer Instances (PDIs) can be used to test application ideas without impacting a customer or partner instance. PDIs are intended for you to use to learn, explore, and experiment with the ServiceNow AI Platform®. PDIs are not intended to be used for business or production purposes. Using a PDI for business or production is a violation of the ServiceNow® Developer Program Agreement. With a PDI, you receive admin-level access to all of the features the ServiceNow AI Platform® has to offer. Use your PDI on a continuous basis and it is yours forever.

Learn more on the [ServiceNow Developer Site](https://developer.servicenow.com).
* **[Understanding PDIs](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/POoFRmMpmmeY2c0J7z2SHg)**   
  PDIs require you to select a specific release and maintain consistent usage to avoid hibernation.
* **[Get a development instance](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/TYFjcixPqwI_LnoLtl8s9w)**   
  Request a personal development instance to build and test applications.
* **[Obtaining a PDI](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/uobu~TZymhluXeOETtKg5g)**   
  Get a new instance to run a PDI on the latest generally available release.
* **[Accessing your PDI](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/kGG61a~2828KpqbX8J5DoA)**   
  Open your PDI and start building in the instance.
* **[Activating a plugin from your PDI](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/U_CPily6SrLpQHqT34pxLg)**   
  One option to get started using an instance is to activate a plugin directly for your PDI.
* **[Activating a PDI plugin from the developer site](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/kC3CJUKgV~HWcZLkPYQJ9g)**   
  Activate your PDI plugin from the Developer Site to start working on an instance.
* **[Managing email properties for your PDI](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/YwY73ziEIOSFZM1Xkt9ppA)**   
  Configure properties within your PDI to start sending and receiving emails.
* **[Releasing your PDI](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/grOnR2CnS2OqIRcdSyeKBA)**   
  Release your PDI to unassign the instance from you, reset to its original state, and reassign it to another Developer Program member.
* **[Changing your instance user role](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/GQrPnufu~GCuyVF5bQStFg)**   
  Change your PDI user role to either App Engine Studio Creator or Admin for different views and levels of access.
* **[Removing demo data from your PDI](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/Z_6AzcRjRtoqZv8vfsOr1w)**   
  If you do not need the demo data in your PDI included by default, remove it from your PDI.
* **[Resetting your PDI to its initial state](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/_CfaK8zP8IM66Q1Tdh5Xhw)**   
  Reset your PDI to its initial state to start work with a fresh instance.
* **[Upgrading your PDI](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/J0_wonWfU6jqYUJEU5bH5A)**   
  Apply a patch or new release to your instance to upgrade your PDI.
* **[Getting instance assistance](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/waFoKX7dHcRYX~RNt~oukA)**   
  Get assistance for common issues accessing an instance and give feedback.