---
sourceDocument: Australia Build workflows
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/build-workflows

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia Build workflows

ft:clusterId :

    - crworkflow

bundleId :

    - crworkflow

workflow :

    - Creator


---

# Using the activity stream

# Using the activity stream within a playbook {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated October 15, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Add comments or notes, and view communication and task history for a parent or associated record using the activity stream. The activity stream is available only on cards where an administrator has configured it.

An administrator makes the activity stream available on a playbook card by creating an action assignment. The render mode selected for that action determines how agents open the stream: as a button on the card, as an icon in the
card header, or as an item in the card header drop-down list.

An administrator can also set conditions on the action, so that the activity stream appears only for specific tables, form views, or workspaces. If no action assignment applies to a card, the activity stream isn't available on
it.

## What the activity stream shows {#activity-stream-in-playbook__activity-stream-in-playbook-what-it-shows}

The history displayed depends on the level at which the action is configured. Playbook actions and stage actions display the history of the parent record, such as the case or incident that the playbook runs on. Activity actions
display the history of the record associated with that activity.

The stream records work notes, comments, emails, and field changes against that record, including updates made by automated activities and AI agents. Each update is attributed to the user or agent who made it.

## Playbook activity stream examples {#activity-stream-in-playbook__section_bxd_34n_f4b}

To open the activity stream within a playbook, select View activity on the card, or select View History from the card header drop-down list, depending on how the action was
configured.
Figure 1. Activity stream opened from a card button Figure 2. Activity stream opened from the card header drop-down list

## Activity stream modal {#activity-stream-in-playbook__section_xzx_zw5_fnb}

View tabs for comments and work notes related to a parent or associated record. You can use the Compose text box to post new comments or work notes.

You can view previous activity by scrolling down to the Activity
section.