---
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 trigger in a playbook

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

* Release version: Australia
* 
* Updated March 12, 2026
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read

Begin building your playbook by adding and configuring the trigger.

## Before you begin

Role required: playbook.admin or pd_author

Review [Triggers](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/2Uh~KF5S9ju2go8rl82EIw "Triggers specify when to start running your playbook.").

[Create a trigger definition](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/ecTUmWhfpg2W9mRbT82gvw "Define the type of trigger that determines when to start running your playbook.") if needed.

## About this task

You can add one or multiple triggers to your playbook. The triggers can either be record based or scheduled. Record based triggers start your playbook when a record is created, updated, or both. The scheduled triggers give you the option to run the playbook at the time you need. You can also add an existing trigger that matches
the conditions for your playbook.  
Note:  
You can create up to 10 triggers of any type. It can be record-based triggers, scheduled triggers, or a combination of both.

## Procedure

1. Navigate to AllProcess AutomationWorkflow StudioPlaybooks.
2. Open the playbook that you want to configure or create a playbook.
3. On the left sidebar, select Triggers (![Icon to open the triggers.)]()).  
   Note:  
   You can't open triggers until the parent table is specified for the playbook. To specify a parent table, edit Start in the diagram view, or open the More actions menu (![More actions menu]()) and select Properties.  

   If triggers are already added to the playbook, the Triggers screen displays a list of the associated triggers. You can edit, delete, or add a trigger.
4. Select an existing trigger to edit, or add a trigger.  
   {#add-configure-trigger__table_d5r_w4z_zfc__entry__2}

   | Trigger type | Actions |
   |-|-|
   | Record based | Go to Add triggerRecord based and select when you want the playbook to run: * When record is created * When record is updated * When record is created or updated {#add-configure-trigger__ul_whj_bpz_zfc} If you want to specify a different table for the trigger than the parent table, use dot-walking to specify the relation between the two tables. You can choose to run your trigger on [Table extension and classes](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=table-extension-and-classes&version=australia&pubname=australia-platform-administration&ft:locale=en-US) or start your trigger only on unique change of records. After you specify the Conditions that should start your playbook, select Save and close. If you want to use a trigger that has all the conditions you need for your playbook, select Choose existing playbook trigger. Then, choose an existing trigger from the list and select Save and close. |
   | Scheduled | 1. Select Add triggerScheduled. 2. Specify the scheduling details and the conditions for the trigger and select Save and close. {#add-configure-trigger__ol_q3x_qpz_zfc}For more information about scheduling a trigger, see [Create a scheduled trigger for Playbook](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/yaUD_RCPl7RqCmElx6PDFQ "Create a scheduled trigger that starts your playbook at the required time and interval. You can schedule a trigger in any time zone, with or without an end date for the schedule.") |
   [ ]

   {#add-configure-trigger__table_d5r_w4z_zfc}

## Result

The trigger is configured.

## What to do next

[Add and configure your stages.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/HbEWRYjPw0DzXyBk1WpoPA "Add and configure a stage in your playbook.")

*[\>]: and then