---
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


---

# Configure the ideal path for a playbook

# Configure the ideal path for a playbook {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated August 21, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Mark one or more decision branches as the ideal path in Workflow Studio for a playbook. The playbook can highlight the expected execution route and show users a preview of upcoming activities at runtime.

## Before you begin

The playbook must contain at least one decision activity before you can configure an ideal path.

For more information about ideal path, see [Ideal path for a playbook](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/tfTN7R7jQvdssH158kOKmw "The ideal path is the expected execution route through a playbook. The sequence of activities that should run when a decision resolves in the anticipated way. You can define an ideal path on each decision branch and visualize it across the entire playbook in Workflow Studio.").

Role required: admin, playbook.admin, pd_author, or playbook.write.

## Procedure

1. Navigate to AllProcess AutomationWorkflow Studio.
2. Open the playbook for which you want to configure the ideal path.
3. Enable Ideal branch for all decision activities in the playbook.  

   If you have more than two branches in a decision, depending on the selected Branch processing approach, you may be able to select one or more branches as the ideal branch.

   | Option | Description |
   | Process only the first matching branch | Only one branch can be marked as ideal. Use this when the decision should resolve into a single outcome. |
   | Process all matching branches | Multiple branches can be marked as ideal. Use this when more than one branch can represent an expected outcome. |
   |-|-|

   {#configure-ideal-path-for-playbook__choicetable_pmv_krw_hkc}
   1. Select a decision activity.
   2. In the Branches tab, under Branches, enable Ideal branch for the branch or branches that represent the expected execution path.
   3. Select Save and close.
   {#configure-ideal-path-for-playbook__substeps_hng_jww_hkc}
4. To view the ideal path of execution for the playbook, from the toolbar, select View optionsGolden path.  
   The ideal path of execution is highlighted on the canvas.

## What to do next

Configure Playbook Experience to display the ideal path activities and stages before they are executed at runtime. For more information, see [Configure Playbook Experience to display ideal path](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/W7Snh3DHo37NDpTPvFr22w "Configure Playbook Experience to show the stages and activities in an ideal path before they are executed during a playbook run.").

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