Create a trigger definition

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated March 12, 2026
  • 1 minute to read
  • Define the type of trigger that determines when to start running your playbook.

    Before you begin

    • Make sure to set your current application to the application that you want your playbook to run in. For more information, see Application picker.
    • Role required: admin, playbook.admin, or pd_trigger_author

    Procedure

    1. Navigate to All > Process Automation > Process Automation Administration > Trigger Definitions.
    2. In the context header, click New.
    3. On the Trigger Definition form, in the Label field, enter any label for your trigger definition.
      This label appears as a trigger option when you Create a playbook.
    4. Next to the Trigger Type field, click the lookup using list icon (Lookup using list icon).
    5. In the Trigger Types list, select a trigger type to use for your trigger definition.
      Options include:
      Record Created
      The playbook runs when a user creates a record anywhere in the ServiceNow AI Platform.
      Record Updated
      The playbook runs when a user updates an existing record anywhere in the ServiceNow AI Platform.
      Record Created or Updated
      The playbook runs when a user creates a record or updates an existing record anywhere in the ServiceNow AI Platform.
    6. Click Next to go on to the next step.
    7. In the Table list, select a table whose record operations you want to trigger your playbook.
    8. Under Condition, use the condition builder to add field conditions for when you want to trigger your playbook.
    9. To trigger your playbook for tables that extend your selected table, select the Run On Extended check box.
      For more information, see Table extension and classes.
    10. Click Update to finish creating your trigger definition.

    Result

    Your trigger definition is added to the Trigger Definition [sys_pd_trigger_definition] table. You can now select your preset trigger when you Create a playbook.