---
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


---

# Create a runbook task

# Create a runbook task {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated March 12, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Create a runbook task to pause deployment and define the steps required to proceed.

## Before you begin

Role required: sn_releaseops.releaseops_tester or sn_releaseops.releaseops_developer

## About this task

Runbook tasks enable you to pause playbook progress until a task is resolved. To learn more about runbook tasks, see [Runbook tasks in ReleaseOps](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/VzjXJ~01C8IzRNJOphVoSA "Learn about how runbook tasks enable flexibility in ReleaseOps deployments, without needing to customize playbooks each time.").

## Procedure

1. On a deployment request record, select the Deployment request tasks tab in the Related lists section.  
2. Select New.
3. On the new deployment task record, select the playbook where you want the runbook task to occur.
   1. In the Pipeline stage field, select the dropdown menu.  
   2. Select the playbook that you want the runbook task to occur in, either assessment or release.
   {#create-runbook-task__substeps_dz4_m5q_23c}
4. Select the playbook stage where you want the runbook task to occur.
   1. In the Playbook stage field, enter the name of the playbook stage or find the available playbook stages using the lookup using list icon.
   2. Select the playbook stage.
   {#create-runbook-task__substeps_y3w_r5q_23c}
5. Define when you want the runbook task to occur, either at the beginning or end of the selected playbook stage.
   1. In the Wait for runbook activity field, select the Lookup using list icon![]().  
      A dialog appears that displays the selected playbook stage and the options available for when the runbook task can occur.

   2. In the dialog, select either Before the playbook stage or After the playbook stage.
   {#create-runbook-task__substeps_h45_2vq_23c}
6. In the Short description field, describe the runbook activity that must occur.  
7. Select Submit.

## Result

The runbook task is added to the playbook stage that you selected. When the playbook is executed, progress will stop until the runbook task is completed.