Using the Related Records tab in the contextual side panel

  • Release version: Zurich
  • Updated July 31, 2025
  • 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 allows agents to efficiently view, search, and sort records related to the current record or playbook activity. The displayed related records dynamically adjust based on the context and the agent’s access permissions, providing tailored and relevant information.

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    Key Features

    • Contextual Display: Shows related records based on configured related record contexts and definitions for the current record or activity.
    • Filtering: Agents can filter related records by type using a dropdown menu, which lists all configured related lists for the parent record.
    • Search Capability: A search field enables text-based searches within the selected related records list, highlighting matching entries. (Note: Search is disabled when unavailable for the selected record type.)
    • Record Viewing: Clicking a related record opens it in a sub-tab beneath the parent record, allowing agents to see details and perform actions without losing context.
    • List View Option: Related records can also be viewed in a list format within a sub-tab for easier bulk review.
    • Record Creation: Agents can create new related records directly from the Related Records tab, with the new record opening in a sub-tab for immediate editing and saving.

    Practical Use for ServiceNow Customers

    This functionality enhances agent productivity by centralizing access to related records, minimizing navigation away from the primary record, and streamlining data management. Agents can quickly find and act on related information with contextual relevance, improving efficiency and service quality.

    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

    Click the Related Records tab (Related Records tab in the contextual side panel) 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. Click the filter icon (Related records list filter icon).
    2. Select a record type from the dropdown menu.

    The dropdown 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. Click 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 Click 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 Click the list view icon (Related records tab list view icon) to display the related records in a list view in a sub-tab under the parent record.
    Create a new record for the selected related list
    Create a new 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. Click the create record icon (Related records tab create record icon) at the top of the Related Records list.
    2. Fill in the fields on the record form and click Save.