Using the Related Records tab in the contextual side panel

  • Release version: Zurich
  • Updated June 26, 2026
  • 2 minutes to read
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    Summary of Using the Related Records tab in the contextual side panel

    The Related Records tab in the contextual side panel enables agents to efficiently view, search, and sort records related to the current record or playbook activity. The displayed related records dynamically update based on the context and depend on configured related record contexts, definitions, and the agent’s data access permissions.

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    Key Features

    • Dynamic Related Records Display: Shows related records relevant to the current context, filtered by configured relationships and agent permissions.
    • Record Type Filtering: Agents can select specific related record types from a drop-down filter to focus their view on particular related lists configured for the parent record.
    • Search Functionality: Provides a text search field to locate matching records within the selected related record type. Note that search availability depends on the record type.
    • Opening Records: Related records can be opened individually in sub-tabs under the parent record for detailed viewing and action.
    • List View Option: Allows switching the related records display from card format to a list view in a sub-tab for easier bulk review.
    • Record Creation: Agents can create new records for the selected related record type directly from the tab, opening a new form in a sub-tab for data entry and saving.

    Practical Use for ServiceNow Customers

    This feature streamlines navigation and management of related records directly within the context of an active record or playbook task. It helps agents quickly access relevant information, perform searches, and take actions such as record creation without leaving the workflow. By leveraging this tab, ServiceNow users can improve efficiency, maintain context, and ensure comprehensive handling of related data during service management processes.

    Agents can view, search, and sort the records in the Related Records tab in the contextual side panel.

    The Related Records tab displays related records that dynamically change based on the context of the current record or playbook activity. The records that are displayed in the Related Records tab depend on the following settings:
    • The related record contexts and definitions that have been configured for a record or playbook activity.
    • The agent's access permissions to data.
    Table 1. Related Records tab in the contextual side panel
    Task Steps
    View related records in the contextual side panel

    Select the Related Records tab to view the Related Records list.

    Related records appear in the list in a card format. The initial set of records displayed in the list is determined by the record type selected in the filter at the top of the list.
    Select the type of related record to view
    Use the filter at the top of the Related Records list to select the type of related records to view. Agents can also use the filter to see the current selection.
    1. Select the filter icon.
    2. Select a record type from the drop down menu.

    The drop down menu includes the related lists that have been configured for the parent record.
    Search the related records list
    Use the search field at the top of the Related Records list to perform a text search. Records that match the search text are highlighted.
    1. Enter the search text in the search field at the top of the Related Records list.
    2. Select the search icon.
    Note:
    The search field is grayed out if search is not available for the selected type of related records.
    Open a related record in a sub-tab Select a card in the Related Records list to open the record in a sub-tab under the parent record. In the sub-tab, the agent can view the record details and perform available actions.
    Open the related record list in a list view in a sub-tab Select the list view icon to display the related records in a list view in a sub-tab under the parent record.
    Create a record for the selected related list
    Create a record for the record type currently selected in the Related Records list. This action opens a new record form in a sub-tab under the parent record.
    1. Select the create record icon at the top of the Related Records list.
    2. Fill in the fields on the record form and select Save.