--- sourceDocument: zurich Combined Product Files sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/zurich/delta-xanadu-zurich Release : - zurich ft:locale : - en-US ft:publication_title : - zurich Combined Product Files ft:clusterId : - delta3zx bundleId : - delta3zx --- # Combined Theme Builder release notes for upgrades from Xanadu to Zurich # Combined Theme Builder release notes for upgrades from Xanadu to Zurich {#ariaid-title1} Release version: Zurich Updated October 8, 2026 ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 13 minutes to read Summarize ![AI sparkle icon](https://servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ai-sparkle-icon) Summarized using AI This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. ## Summary of Combined Theme Builder release notes for upgrades from Xanadu to Zurich This consolidated release notes document covers all Theme Builder updates from the Xanadu through Zurich releases, helping ServiceNow customers understand new capabilities, changes, and important upgrade information. Theme Builder enables you to customize and manage the appearance of your ServiceNow Next Experience, including themes, color palettes, fonts, illustrations, and accessibility features. It is included as a core plugin starting with Yokohama and available by default. Show full answer Show less ## Key Features * **Multiple Themes and Palettes (Xanadu)**: Publish multiple themes with alternate color palettes, including dark mode options, and control their presentation order in user preferences. * **Accessibility Improvements (Xanadu and Yokohama)**: Accessibility Inspector highlights contrast and other accessibility issues in themes and Unified Navigation components, helping you meet standards. * **Enhanced Component Editing (Yokohama)**: Customize Unified Navigation components with preview panes, shared styling views, and quick access to the Component Editor via double-click. * **AI-Driven Theme Creation (Zurich Patch 7)**: Use Now Assist with ServiceNow Otto AI to generate brand-aligned themes from images, preview options, and refine results within the Create a Theme wizard. * **Brand Guidelines Upload (Zurich Patch 9)**: Upload brand guidelines as PDFs in the theme creation workflow to generate consistent themes matching your corporate identity. * **Expanded Image and Illustration Customization (Zurich 6.1)**: Edit colors and override default images for banners, modals, tile icons, cards, and empty state illustrations to better align with branding. * **Custom Fonts (Zurich)**: Upload, preview, and manage up to 10 custom font families with unlimited associated font faces, allowing consistent typography across themes and components. * **Dark Mode UI for Theme Builder (Zurich 6.1)**: Reduce eye strain and improve usability in low-light environments by switching the Theme Builder interface between light and dark modes. * **Guided Tours (Zurich 6.1)**: Interactive walkthroughs within Theme Builder help users learn new features and complete tasks efficiently. * **Theme Publishing and Management Enhancements**: Drag-and-drop interface for publishing/unpublishing themes and organizing their display order in user preferences. ## Changes and Removals * The Apply button for publishing themes was removed (Xanadu); publishing is now through the theme card overflow menu. * Navigation and UI improvements in the Component Editor, including breadcrumb navigation and renamed action buttons, enhance ease of use. * Color selector in the Create a Theme wizard defaults to vibrant Coral theme colors (Zurich 6.1) for a more appealing initial palette. * Global styles upload modals for logos, fonts, and shapes have been redesigned for better preview and drag-and-drop support. ## Accessibility Theme Builder now provides comprehensive tools to help you ensure your themes meet accessibility standards: * Dark alternate color palettes reduce eye strain in low-light conditions. * Accessibility Inspector guides remediation of contrast and other issues in themes and Unified Navigation components. * Uploading custom fonts supports improved readability and cognitive accessibility, benefiting users with visual impairments and cognitive differences. ## Upgrade and Activation Information Theme Builder is included by default starting in Yokohama and later releases. To upgrade or obtain the latest version, use the ServiceNow Store. From version 4.1 onwards, update notifications appear within the Editor page. ## Practical Impact for ServiceNow Customers By upgrading to the Zurich release family and beyond, you gain advanced theme management capabilities including AI-assisted theme creation, enhanced brand alignment via custom fonts and images, and improved accessibility compliance. The new UI enhancements and guided tours streamline theme customization, while dark mode and accessibility tools improve usability for designers. These features empower you to deliver consistent, brand-aligned, and accessible user experiences across your ServiceNow Next Experience. Consolidated page of all release notes for Theme Builder from Xanadu to Zurich. ## How to use this page To help you prepare for your upgrade, we have combined the cross-family Theme Builder release notes onto one page. Read this summary of the new features, changes, and updated information for your product from Xanadu to Zurich. Tip: If there were no updates for a release notes section in a certain family release, we included a short note for your reference. For example, if a product did not have any updates in Tokyo, the row says "No updates for this release." ## Important information for upgrading Theme Builder to Zurich Before you upgrade to Zurich, review these pre- and post-upgrade tasks and complete the tasks as needed. {#dfrn3-themebuilder-summary__entry__2} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Xanadu | No updates for this release. | | Yokohama | No updates for this release. | | Zurich | No updates for this release. | [ ] ## New features Between your current release family and Zurich, new features were introduced for Theme Builder. {#dfrn3-themebuilder-summary__entry__10} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Xanadu | [Publish multiple themes with Theme Builder](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-apply-theme&family=xanadu&ft:locale=en-US) : Publish multiple themes with their alternate color palettes to your web instance. Set a default theme for your users. [Add a dark alternate color palette](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-edit-color-palette&family=xanadu&ft:locale=en-US) : Add a dark alternate color palette to your Theme Builder theme. You can edit this alternate color palette to further enhance your brand style. [Set the presentation order of your themes in Next Experience](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=configure-presentation-order-of-themes&family=xanadu&ft:locale=en-US) : Define the presentation order of the themes that are displayed in the ServiceNow® Next Experience user preferences. [Select from multiple themes in Next Experience user preferences](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=select-a-theme-in-next-experience&family=xanadu&ft:locale=en-US) : View multiple themes and their alternate color palettes in Next Experience user preferences. [Set the presentation order of your Theme Builder themes](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=set-presentation-order-themes&family=xanadu&ft:locale=en-US) : As of Theme Builder version 4.1, you can control the order in which the themes created with Theme Builder appear in Next Experience user preferences by using the List view within the Manager page. [Remove Global Style overrides](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-edit-theme&family=xanadu&ft:locale=en-US) : As of Theme Builder version 4.1, you can remove any overrides that you made to Global Styles and return to your initial values by using the Remove Override button. [Use drag-and-drop to publish and unpublish your themes](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-apply-theme&family=xanadu&ft:locale=en-US) : As of Theme Builder version 4.1, use the drag-and-drop feature in the List view to publish and unpublish your themes for your web instance. [Adjust a component to meet accessibility standards](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-adjust-component-wcag&family=xanadu&ft:locale=en-US) : As of Theme Builder version 4.1, the Accessibility Inspector now displays the total number of accessibility errors in your theme and lists the specific components with contrast issues. See the Accessibility section for details. | | Yokohama | [Adjust the Unified Navigation component to meet accessibility standards](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-adjust-component-wcag&family=yokohama&ft:locale=en-US) : As of Theme Builder version 5.1, the Accessibility Inspector now displays the total number of accessibility errors with contrast issues for the Unified Navigation component and subcomponents. See the Accessibility section for details. [Adapt the theme-able illustrations to seamlessly integrate with your brand](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=working-with-image-styles&family=yokohama&ft:locale=en-US) : As of Theme Builder version 5.1, use the new Image styles feature to enhance your theme in the following ways: * Edit the colors of the empty state illustrations from within Theme Builder. When a part of your Next Experience web page doesn't contain data, an empty state illustration appears. Empty state illustrations are theme-able and adapt to your theme colors. * Override empty state illustrations with your own custom images to uniquely align with your branding style. [Align with your brand by using the Unified Navigation component](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=edit-unified-navigation-component&family=yokohama&ft:locale=en-US) : Customize the Unified Navigation component from within Theme Builder by using the following new features: * Quickly view how the Unified Navigation component will look in your theme by using the Preview pane. * Use the Component Configuration menu to view any shared styling between subcomponents. * View the background color of your subcomponent and see how it renders in relation to the Unified Navigation component by using the updated canvas color feature. [Use the double-click feature to quickly access the Component Editor](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-edit-components&family=yokohama&ft:locale=en-US) : Double-click a component tile to access the Component Editor where you can continue to make style adjustments to subcomponents, variants, or interactions. | | Zurich | [Upload brand guidelines to the theme creation workflow](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=create-theme-now-assist&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : Upload your brand guidelines as a PDF to the theme creation workflow within the Now Assist panel to generate themes aligned with your brand. [Create a theme using ServiceNow Otto](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=create-theme-now-assist&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : As of Zurich Patch 7, leverage Now Assist to generate themes based on your brand image. After generating a theme, navigate to Theme Builder to publish and apply additional styling. This feature requires ServiceNow Otto for Creator. [Create a theme with AI in Theme Builder](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-create-a-theme-ai&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : As of Zurich Patch 7, use AI to generate themes from brand images, preview multiple options, and refine results all within the updated Create a theme wizard. If you prefer, you can skip the AI step and continue creating your theme manually using the existing workflow. This feature requires ServiceNow Otto for Creator. [Create a theme using ServiceNow Otto](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=create-theme-now-assist&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : As of Zurich Patch 7, leverage Now Assist to generate themes based on your brand image. After generating a theme, navigate to Theme Builder to publish and apply additional styling. This feature requires ServiceNow Otto for Creator. [Create a theme with AI in Theme Builder](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-create-a-theme-ai&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : As of Zurich Patch 7, use AI to generate themes from brand images, preview multiple options, and refine results all within the updated Create a theme wizard. If you prefer, you can skip the AI step and continue creating your theme manually using the existing workflow. This feature requires ServiceNow Otto for Creator. [Explore the expanded image categories with color editing and override capability](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=working-with-image-styles&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : As of Theme Builder version 6.1, configure the following new image categories to further enhance your theme: * Edit the colors of banners, modals, tile icons, and cards from within Theme Builder. * Override each of these default illustrations with your own custom images to uniquely align with your branding style. [Guided tours in Theme Builder](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=guided-tours-theme-builder&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : As of version 6.1, learn about additional features and complete tasks through interactive steps by taking guided tours within Theme Builder. [Publish the new Coral theme](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-apply-theme&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : Publish or unpublish the new Coral theme directly from Theme Builder. This theme provides a fresh look and feel and features brand-neutral illustrations to enhance your user experience. A dark theme variant is available for web and mobile experiences. [Upload and manage custom fonts in your theme](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=upload-custom-font&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : Use your organization's fonts to maintain a consistent look and feel for your brand throughout your experience. * Upload, preview, and edit at most 10 custom font families from the Global styles or Component styles tabs. * Add unlimited associated font faces to each font family and apply them individually to components. * Delete your font family or font face from your theme. | [ ] ## Changes Between your current release family and Zurich, some changes were made to existing Theme Builder features. {#dfrn3-themebuilder-summary__entry__18} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Xanadu | No updates for this release. | | Yokohama | [New Image styles tab added to Editor page](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=working-with-image-styles&family=yokohama&ft:locale=en-US) : As of Theme Builder version 5.1, the Editor page has the following additional options: * The general styles panel, which includes Global and Component styles, now features Image styles. The Image styles tab displays all illustrations available for editing. * When you select an empty state illustration for editing from the Image styles tab, the property panel opens with two additional tabs: Images and Colors. The Images tab displays which image files are applied to an empty state illustration. The Colors tab displays which theme colors are applied to an illustration. [Navigation updated](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-edit-components&family=yokohama&ft:locale=en-US) : The Return to component overview link within the Component Editor is replaced with breadcrumb-style navigation for a more contextual navigation experience. [Component Editor button replaced](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-edit-components&family=yokohama&ft:locale=en-US) : The Go to Component Editor button is now labeled either Style variants, Style subcomponents, or Style interactions depending on the selected component. The Component Editor behaves in the same way despite this UI change. [Component Editor Interactions States panel updated](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-edit-components&family=yokohama&ft:locale=en-US) : The Interaction States panel within the Component Editor now refers to either Interactions or Subcomponents. | | Zurich | [Now Assist \> ServiceNow Otto® announcement](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=sn-ai-implementation-landing&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : ServiceNow Otto introduced AI on the platform. As that experience has evolved, there's a new name for the experience. ServiceNow Otto® is the conversational AI platform integrated into ServiceNow workflows. It provides agentic capabilities, supports multimodal interactions across web, mobile, and messaging channels, and enables autonomous orchestration for cross-system workflows. [Create a theme wizard color selector updated](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-create-theme&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : As of Theme Builder version 6.1, when you create a theme, the color selector now defaults to Coral theme colors instead of static gray tones. This means your initial color options feature a blue hue for a more vibrant look. Colors can still be customized at any time by selecting a preferred color in the color selector. [Global styles upload and selector modals updated](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=working-with-global-styles&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : A more consistent, user-friendly interface is now available for uploading logos, fonts, and shapes. The following changes have been made: * A larger modal for uploading your company logo with a browse or drag-and-drop capability. * A larger modal for selecting predefined corner shapes and fonts. * A preview window within each modal for immediately viewing your selections before they're applied to your theme. [Updated Global styles Overview panel](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=working-with-global-styles&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : The Global styles Overview panel has been updated in the following ways: * The Font section has been renamed Typography. * The font family field that is listed in the Typography section has been renamed as the Default font family. The Default font family still indicates which font is applied globally across your theme, unless you override it at the component level. | [ ] ## Removed Between your current release family and Zurich, some Theme Builder features or functionality were removed. {#dfrn3-themebuilder-summary__entry__26} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Xanadu | * Removed the Apply button used to apply your theme to web and mobile instances. To publish your theme, use the Publish option from the theme card overflow menu. For more information about publishing themes, see [Publish your themes with Theme Builder](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-apply-theme&family=xanadu&ft:locale=en-US). | | Yokohama | No updates for this release. | | Zurich | No updates for this release. | [ ] ## Deprecations Between your current release family and Zurich, some Theme Builder features or functionality were deprecated. {#dfrn3-themebuilder-summary__entry__34} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Xanadu | No updates for this release. | | Yokohama | No updates for this release. | | Zurich | No updates for this release. | [ ] ## Activation information Review information on how to activate Theme Builder. {#dfrn3-themebuilder-summary__entry__42} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Xanadu | Install Theme Builder by requesting it from the ServiceNow Store. Visit the [ServiceNow Store](https://store.servicenow.com/sn_appstore_store.do#!/store/home) website to view all the available apps and for information about submitting requests to the store. For cumulative release notes information for all released apps, see the [ServiceNow Store version history release notes](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=sn-store-release-notes&family=xanadu&ft:locale=en-US). Note: As of Theme Builder version 4.1, you see when a new Theme Builder update is available from within the Editor page view. | | Yokohama | Activation information : Starting with the Yokohama release, Theme Builder is included as a core plugin with the Next Experience application and is available by default. You can update to the latest version of Theme Builder from ServiceNow Store. Important: Theme Builder is available by default starting in the Yokohama release and upgrades are available in ServiceNow Store. For details, see the "Activation information" section of these release notes. | | Zurich | Activation information : Theme Builder is included as a core plugin with the Next Experience application and is available by default. You can update to the latest version of Theme Builder from the ServiceNow Store. Important: Theme Builder is available by default and upgrades are available in the ServiceNow Store. For details, see the "Activation information" section of these release notes. | [ ] ## Additional requirements If any additional requirements were introduced or changed for Theme Builder we have noted them here. {#dfrn3-themebuilder-summary__entry__50} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Xanadu | No updates for this release. | | Yokohama | No updates for this release. | | Zurich | No updates for this release. | [ ] ## Browser requirements If any specific browser requirements were introduced or changed for Theme Builder we have noted them here. {#dfrn3-themebuilder-summary__entry__58} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Xanadu | No updates for this release. | | Yokohama | No updates for this release. | | Zurich | No updates for this release. | [ ] ## Accessibility information Review details on accessibility information for Theme Builder, such as specific requirements or compliance levels. {#dfrn3-themebuilder-summary__entry__66} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Xanadu | Accessibility improvements for Theme Builder include the following updates: * Added a dark alternate color palette that makes the display easier for your eyes and less disturbing in low-light settings is available for creation. For more information, see [Add an alternate color palette](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-edit-color-palette&family=xanadu&ft:locale=en-US). * Updated modal when you publish a theme group for your web instance. A warning appears if there's an accessibility error within the base theme or the theme's alternate color palettes. A link within the modal navigates you to the correct theme or alternate color palette with accessibility errors. * Improved Accessibility Inspector detects and guides you through fixing accessibility issues in your theme. This tool includes the total number of violations and a list of specific components with accessibility issues. For more information, see [Adjust a component to meet accessibility standards](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-adjust-component-wcag&family=xanadu&ft:locale=en-US). * Updated reflow feature ensures the content within the Component Editor view automatically adjusts when the screen size is reduced. This improvement eliminates the need for horizontal scrolling. | | Yokohama | Accessibility information : [Adjust the Unified Navigation component to meet accessibility standards](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=tb-adjust-component-wcag&family=yokohama&ft:locale=en-US) : The Accessibility Inspector, which detects and guides you through fixing contrast issues in your theme, now includes accessibility errors for the Unified Navigation component and subcomponents. | | Zurich | Accessibility information : [Upload custom font](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=upload-custom-font&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : The ability to upload custom fonts to your theme can help users with disabilities in several ways, including: * Improved readability: Custom fonts can be selected to enhance readability, making text easier to see, understand, and retain. This is beneficial for users with visual impairments, as clear letter forms reduce eye strain. * Support for cognitive differences: Custom fonts can address cognitive accessibility needs. For instance, users with dyslexia or Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may benefit from fonts that reduce reading strain and improve information processing. * Improved globalization support: Custom fonts tailored to specific languages improve the readability for non-Latin alphabets and ensure consistent, accessible user experiences across global audiences. [Dark mode in Theme Builder](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=dark-mode-theme-builder&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : As of version 6.1, Theme Builder is now available in light and dark mode. This option is commonly used to alleviate eye strain and improve readability. Dark mode applies to the Theme Builder interface only and does not affect the appearance of individual themes. | [ ] ## Localization information If there are specific localization considerations for Theme Builder we have noted them here. {#dfrn3-themebuilder-summary__entry__74} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Xanadu | No updates for this release. | | Yokohama | No updates for this release. | | Zurich | No updates for this release. | [ ] ## Highlight information If there are specific highlight considerations for Theme Builder we have noted them here. {#dfrn3-themebuilder-summary__entry__82} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Xanadu | * Achieve your branding and styling needs by offering multiple themes and alternate color palettes to your users. * Add a dark alternate color palette to your newly created themes and edit to refine your theme. * As of Theme Builder version 4.1, receive notifications about updates directly from the Theme Builder application. * As of Theme Builder version 4.1, organize your themes by priority, purpose, or other criteria, by using the drag-and-drop feature in the List view. With this feature, you can publish and order the themes that are displayed in the Next Experience Theme user preference. See [Working with themes in Next Experience](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=next-experience-theming&family=xanadu&ft:locale=en-US) for more information. | | Yokohama | * Edit and style the Unified Navigation component to better suit your brand. * Make individual style edits on a component by double-clicking it to quickly access the Component Editor. * As of Theme Builder version 5.1, customize the colors of empty state illustrations from within Theme Builder. * As of Theme Builder version 5.1, use your own custom images by overriding the default empty state illustrations. See [Working with themes in Next Experience](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=next-experience-theming&family=yokohama&ft:locale=en-US) for more information. | | Zurich | [Zurich Patch 9](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=zurich-patch-9&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) * Beginning with Zurich Patch 9, upload brand guidelines as a PDF to the theme creation workflow in the Now Assist panel to generate themes that align with your brand. [Zurich Patch 7](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=zurich-patch-7&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) * As of Zurich Patch 7, use Now Assist to automatically create brand‑aligned themes, then refine and publish them in Theme Builder. * Publish the new Next Experience Coral theme from Theme Builder. * Add custom fonts to your theme for enhanced branding. * As of Theme Builder version 6.1, configure modal, tile icon, banner, and card colors, and override these default illustrations with your own custom imagery. * As of Theme Builder version 6.1, enable dark mode to improve usability of Theme Builder in low-light conditions. See [Working with themes](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=next-experience-theming&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) for more information. | [ ]