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

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia Build workflows

ft:clusterId :

    - crworkflow

bundleId :

    - crworkflow

workflow :

    - Creator


---

# Add and configure a stage in a playbook

# Add and configure a stage in a playbook {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Australia
* 
* Updated March 12, 2026
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read

Add and configure a stage in your playbook.

## Before you begin

Role required: playbook.admin or pd_author

Review [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.").

## Procedure

1. Add a stage.

   | View | Steps |
   | Diagram | 1. Select the + icon after the trigger to add the first stage in your playbook. 2. In the mini-picker, select the dotted square icon. ![Square dotted stage icon in Diagram view mini-picker.]() {#add-configure-stage__ol_cwq_3rr_d1c} |
   | Board | In Board view, click + Add stage. |
   |-|-|

   {#add-configure-stage__choicetable_z1g_1yz_21c}  
   Your new stage appears, and the Stage properties panel opens.
2. Fill in the following fields.
   1. Provide the basic details of the stage.  

      |-|-|
      | Label | Enter a unique, user-facing name for your stage. This name appears to agents and fulfillers during runtime of your playbook. |
      | Description | Optionally, enter some descriptive details about your stage. |
      | Run condition | After the stage starts, the stage runs only if specific conditions are met. |
      | Start Rule | Choose when you want your stage to start running. Options include: * When playbook starts: Your stage starts running as soon as the playbook starts. * After specific stages: Your stage starts running after specified stage(s) have finished running. {#add-configure-stage__ul_cz4_5fv_21c} |
      [Table 1. Required inputs]

      {#add-configure-stage__table_zcq_mfv_21c}
   2. **Optional:** Show additional options in the activity for [even more granular control](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/8nWqSR4oExewiXrZPYPXFg "Display detailed instructions to guide end users through your playbook.").  
      Warning:  
      Changing the advanced property fields of an activity can potentially break your automation. Make sure you understand how the playbook and its activities flow before you make changes.

   {#add-configure-stage__substeps_vmf_ffv_21c}

   | Option | Description |
   | Display order | When there are multiple stages running at the same time, define the order in which stages appear during a playbook run. Note: In Workflow Studio, this can also be helpful when viewing parallel activities in Diagram view. |
   | Start with delay | Specify a duration of time to wait before running an stage whose start rule and conditions have been met. For more information, see [Start with delay input properties](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/EdInaaLAHZCnrBcJbs96Lw "Specify a duration of time to wait before running an activity or a stage whose start rule and conditions have been met. Give users time to act during automated playbooks. Give users time to wait for a specific date and time to complete actions."). |
   | Restart rules | Choose what this activity does when a playbook is restarted: * Skip on restart: Skip this stage when the run is due to a restart. * Run always: Always run this stage, including first runs. * Skip on first run: Skip this stage during the first run. {#add-configure-stage__ul_z2n_lqs_rzb}For more information, see [Configure restart for Playbooks](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/fDTysgsDrbJu17~DEIy2tg "Configure restart so that agents and fulfillers in Playbook Experience can restart a playbook from the beginning, or from a specific stage or activity."). |
   |-|-|

   {#add-configure-stage__choicetable_ffz_mct_vlb}
3. Under the Runtime permissions tab, add sets of users, user groups, user criteria and roles, and define whether they can add optional activities to the stage or restart the stage and its activities.
4. Click Save and close to finish adding the stage to your playbook.  
   You can continue to add more stages to your playbook and fill in fields as described in the previous steps. In the Board view, use the Stage actions menu ![Stage actions menu]() to add stages between existing stages.  
   Stages are created.

## What to do next

[Add and configure your activities.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/AsahGN8wK~9RbtMMle2YfA "Add and configure an activity in your playbook.")