--- sourceDocument: Zurich Enable AI sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/zurich/intelligent-experiences Release : - zurich ft:locale : - en-US ft:publication_title : - Zurich Enable AI ft:clusterId : - platai bundleId : - platai workflow : - Platform --- # Create a tool # Create a tool for a Model Context Protocol server {#ariaid-title1} Release version: Zurich Updated June 8, 2026 ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read Create a tool from various tool categories, to expose it to Model Context Protocol (MCP) clients from an MCP server. ## Before you begin If you aren't using the Quickstart Server, create a server to which you can add tools. For more information, see [Create a Model Context Protocol server](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/jrtZtJWr~uXJXvovvnwMuA "Create a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server and configure which tools it exposes to MCP clients."). Role required: sn_mcp_server.tools_admin, sn_mcp_server.admin, or admin ## About this task Each server must include at least one tool. * Tools define which functionality and data a server exposes to clients and the actions that can be performed on an instance by clients. Tools are based on capabilities, such as Knowledge Graph, Subflows, Action, REST APIs and Now Assist skills, including custom skills created with Now Assist Skill Kit. For a list of Now Assist skills that can be used as tools, see [Now Assist skill support in MCP Server Console](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/5owkKX38FxbFqQlLE__kIw "MCP Server Console supports creating tools for Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers from a subset of Now Assist skills."). * Tools include inputs that correspond to the fields of the existing capability. Inputs that are enabled for a tool are exposed to clients. {#create-tool-mcp-server__ul_b1k_qvc_23c} Note: The minimum version required is: Zurich patch 9 and Australia patch 2. ## Procedure 1. Navigate to AllMCP Server Console. 2. From the Configuration tab, select Tools. If you add inputs to a Now Assist skill after a tool has been created, you must create another tool to include the additional inputs and replace the existing tool. 3. View and manage the tools created from various categories, and their associated attributes. 4. Select Create tool. 5. Select a tool type you want to create from these categories: REST API, Action, Knowledge graph, Subflow and Now Assist skill. The steps are similar for any category you use for tool creation. 6. See one of these to learn more: * [Create a tool from Subflow](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/Q3h8YnJ8mM8Qw15SlabDbQ "Create a tool from Subflow to expose it to Model Context (MCP) clients from an MCP Server. Subflows and actions empower agents to complete tasks seamlessly —from submitting requests to routing for approval and confirming outcomes across workflows, without leaving the client interface.") * [Create a tool from REST API](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/oDlw2MLzSLzmBYhWCwiwKQ "Create a tool from REST APIs to expose it to Model Context Protocol (MCP) clients from an MCP Server.") * [Create a tool from Knowledge Graph](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/neC8V3vvLEBZ0TSwLhzgRg "Create a tool from Knowledge Graph to expose it to Model Context Protocol (MCP) clients from an MCP Server. Knowledge Graph provides agents with accurate, relationship-aware access to live instance data. This enables more precise, context-aware responses in every workflow by directly querying relationships.") {#create-tool-mcp-server__ul_yv3_kl3_ljc} 7. **Optional:** Turn off inputs from the tool that you don't want to expose. 1. In the Tool inputs section, locate the tool input. 2. From the Enabled column, select the toggle to turn off the input. Note: Some tool inputs are required and can't be turned off. {#create-tool-mcp-server__substeps_i4m_czr_jgc} 8. Select Create. {#create-tool-mcp-server__steps_esj_2b3_ggc} ## What to do next Configure clients to connect to the server and use the tool. For more information, see [Connecting to an MCP server from an MCP client](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/8OZjlW~4N2~NVUWySWOBFw "Connect to a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server from an MCP client by creating an OAuth inbound integration and configuring the client with the server details."). * **[Create a tool from Subflow](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/Q3h8YnJ8mM8Qw15SlabDbQ)** Create a tool from Subflow to expose it to Model Context (MCP) clients from an MCP Server. Subflows and actions empower agents to complete tasks seamlessly ---from submitting requests to routing for approval and confirming outcomes across workflows, without leaving the client interface. * **[Create a tool from Action](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/9HDua~l0oYYNWm4CEhDibQ)** Create a tool from Action to expose it to Model Context Protocol (MCP) clients from an MCP Server. * **[Create a tool from REST API](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/oDlw2MLzSLzmBYhWCwiwKQ)** Create a tool from REST APIs to expose it to Model Context Protocol (MCP) clients from an MCP Server. * **[Create a tool from Knowledge Graph](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/neC8V3vvLEBZ0TSwLhzgRg)** Create a tool from Knowledge Graph to expose it to Model Context Protocol (MCP) clients from an MCP Server. Knowledge Graph provides agents with accurate, relationship-aware access to live instance data. This enables more precise, context-aware responses in every workflow by directly querying relationships. * **[Create a tool from Now Assist skill](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/cLbUiU_TllQLTMoq2L7sQA)** Create a tool from Now Assist skills to expose it to Model Context Protocol (MCP) clients from an MCP Server. **Related concepts** * [Generative AI skills](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/M3y_NZhSXV2BWMI7mMV5pA "ServiceNow AI Platform products contain generative AI skills that are tailored to meet the needs of users in different workflows.") **Related reference** * [AI Skill Kit](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/pILk2E40EjCDghHRHYKI1w "Use ServiceNow AI Skill Kit to create and publish custom prompts and skills for Now Assist. Creating custom skills and prompts enables you to have greater flexibility with Now Assist's generative AI capabilities.") *[\>]: and then