---
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


---

# Create a child playbook

# Create a nestable child playbook {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated October 16, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read  
Nest a child playbook within a parent playbook to organize your processes. Creating child playbooks that can be used in other parent playbooks enables you to define sets of activities that can be re-used across multiple playbooks to
avoid duplication.

## Before you begin

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

## About this task

The child playbook must be activated to display as an option for selection in the parent playbook. After the child playbook is created, you must define at least one launch playbook permission for the child playbook to be activated.  
Note:  
Nested (child) playbook must have the same runtime permissions as the parent.  
To define a launch playbook permission for the child playbook:

1. Select the Start node in the diagram view of the playbook or open the Process Properties from the overflow menu.
2. Select Runtime PermissionsAdd a Permission Set.
3. Define some permission criteria and then select the Trigger on-demand check box.
4. Select Save and close.
{#create-nestable-child-playbook__ol_jqx_vgz_23c}

## Procedure

1. Navigate to AllWorkflow StudioPlaybooks.
2. In the workspace window, select NewPlaybook.
3. In the New Playbook window:  
   1. Make sure that Standard playbook is selected as the Type.
   2. Enter a Playbook name.
   3. Enter a Description that helps you identify the playbook.
   4. Select an Application scope.
   5. Select Standalone for the Execution type:

      When you select Standalone, the option Allow this playbook to be nest-able in another playbook automatically appears and is selected.
   6. Select Build playbook.
   {#create-nestable-child-playbook__ol_lxl_5tc_23c}
4. In the Diagram view of the playbook you just created, select the plus sign between Start and End, and then select Create a stage to put your activities in.
5. Select the stage to define the stage details and runtime permissions in the properties panel.  
   For more information, see [Stages and activities](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/rKfk_1F6UNvKpNYY2zKPag "In Playbook, an activity represents one step in your overall business process. You can sequence many activities together in the stages of your process.").
6. Select the Start node, and then on the Inputs \&Outputs tab, add the inputs that the parent playbook passes to the child and the outputs that the child returns to the parent.  
   For more information about playbook inputs, see [Create a playbook](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/cqO52uRHkrW~czttqGe0QQ "Create a playbook to set up an automated business process. Use Playbook builder in Workflow Studio to add stages, activities, triggers, and runtime permissions, then activate the playbook to make it available to agents and fulfillers.").
   1. Select Add input or Add output.
   2. Enter a Label.  
      The Name is generated from the label and can't be edited.
   3. Select a Type.
   4. **Optional:** For an input, turn on Mandatory if the parent playbook must supply a value.
   5. **Optional:** Expand the item to set its remaining properties.  
      A String item has Hint, Default value, and Max length. A Reference item has Hint, Reference table, and Reference qualifier.
   {#create-nestable-child-playbook__substeps_declare_inputs_outputs}
7. In the stage, add a Set Playbook Outputs activity.
8. Select the Set Playbook Outputs activity, then the Automation tab, and define the outputs that the child returns to the parent playbook.  
   The outputs that you added on the Inputs \& Outputs tab appear under Playbook Outputs at the bottom of the Automation tab.
9. In the Diagram view window, select Activate.
10. Select Save and close.  
    For more information about creating a playbook, see [Create a playbook](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/cqO52uRHkrW~czttqGe0QQ "Create a playbook to set up an automated business process. Use Playbook builder in Workflow Studio to add stages, activities, triggers, and runtime permissions, then activate the playbook to make it available to agents and fulfillers.").

## What to do next

After you successfully build the nestable child playbook and activate it, build the parent playbook to host the nestable child playbook. See [Create a parent playbook to host a nestable child playbook](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/lF6K3zjzMorhM5os0LP1aQ "After you have created a nestable child playbook, then you can create a parent playbook to host the child playbook.").

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