Keyboard navigation in playbook diagram view

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated March 12, 2026
  • 2 minutes to read
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    Summary of Keyboard Navigation in Playbook Diagram View

    This guide details how to effectively use keyboard navigation for configuring and editing playbooks in the diagram view within ServiceNow. Customers can streamline their workflow by utilizing keyboard commands to navigate and manage playbook components efficiently.

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    Key Features

    • Navigation: Use arrow keys to move between elements like start nodes, connectors, and stages.
    • Edit Elements: Press Enter to edit the selected item, and use Escape to exit the selected node.
    • Create and Edit Triggers: Navigate to the trigger section using Tab, select a trigger type, and save changes using the Spacebar.
    • Edit Stages and Activities: Highlight stages or activities with arrow keys, press Enter for details, and use Tab to navigate fields.
    • Add Components: Use the + sign on connectors to add new stages or activities while editing.

    Key Outcomes

    By mastering these keyboard commands, ServiceNow customers can enhance their efficiency in configuring playbooks, allowing for quicker adjustments and a more streamlined process. This navigation method supports better accessibility and facilitates a more productive user experience within the playbook diagram view.

    Use keyboard commands to navigate and configure playbooks in diagram view.

    Example playbook to help demonstrate how to use keyboard navigation.

    Open a playbook in diagram view and use your keyboard to edit different components of the playbook. As a general guideline, use the arrow keys to navigate between the elements on the canvas; for example, between the start node, the connector, and the stages. Use the Enter key to edit the highlighted element or to perform the selected action. Pressing the Escape key takes you out of the selected node.
    Table 1. Keyboard commands for playbook diagram
    Task or action Keyboard commands
    Create a trigger
    1. Press Tab until Triggers (Option to open Triggers.) is highlighted and then press Enter.
    2. Press Tab to highlight Add trigger.
    3. Press the arrow keys to select the trigger type and press Enter.
    4. Press Tab to navigate between the fields on the form.
    5. Press Spacebar to select or clear a check box.
    6. Save the trigger.
    Edit a trigger
    1. Press Tab until Triggers (Option to open Triggers.) is highlighted and then press Enter.
    2. Press Tab until the trigger is selected and then press Enter.
    3. Press Tab to highlight the field that you want to update.
    4. Press Spacebar to select or clear a check box.
    5. Save the trigger.
    Edit a stage
    1. Press the arrow keys to highlight the stage and then press Enter.
    2. To edit the stage details:
      1. Press Enter.
      2. Press Tab to navigate between the fields and Enter to save the changes.
    3. Select the + sign in the connector heads and press Enter to add a new stage or a new activity.
    Edit an activity
    1. Press the arrow keys to highlight the stage where you want to edit the activity and then press Enter.
    2. Press tab until the activity is highlighted and then press Enter.

      Use arrow keys to navigate between activities.

    3. To edit the activity details:
      1. Press Enter.
      2. Use the arrow keys to navigate between the tabs on the form.
      3. Press Tab to navigate between the fields on the form.
    4. Select the + sign in the connector heads and press Enter to add a new activity.
    Add an activity or a stage When you're editing a stage, select the + sign on the connector to add a new stage.

    When you’re editing an activity, select the + sign on the connector to add a new activity, parallel path, or a decision.
    Navigate between stages and activities
    • Use the arrow keys to navigate between stages.
    • Press Enter to navigate inside a stage.
    • Use the arrow keys to navigate between the activities in the stage and press Enter to edit an activity.
    • Press Esc to navigate out of the stage.