Slash Commands - Getting Started
Learn how to open and use SN Utils slash commands for fast ServiceNow navigation and table searches.
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Opening the Slash Command Window
The recommended shortcuts to trigger slash commands are:
- Windows / Linux: ALT-/
- Mac: CTRL-/
Since the Washington release, ServiceNow introduced built-in shortcuts that conflict with older SN Utils shortcuts.
If you prefer the old behavior, enable the setting: Prioritize CTRL-/ and CMD-/ above OOB shortcut
You can also set a custom shortcut on the Manage page. The extension supports dark and light themes.
Basic Navigation Commands
Here are some essential navigation commands:
| Command | Action |
|---|---|
/me | Open your user record (sys_user) |
/st | Open Studio in a new tab |
/fd | Open Flow Designer in a new tab |
/bg | Open empty Background Script |
/uib | Open UI Builder |
/p | Open System Properties list |
/u | Open Users list |
/docs | Search the ServiceNow docs site |
Sidekick Commands Pro
Open the Sidekick debugging suite with these commands:
| Command | Tool |
|---|---|
/sk | Open Sidekick (last used tool) |
/sklog | Log Viewer — real-time system log monitoring |
/skclientstate | Client State Viewer — Next Experience state inspection |
/sksession | Session Inspector — user, roles, groups, update set |
/skurl | URL Doctor — view and edit URL parameters |
Controlling Link Behavior
Force specific behavior with these modifiers:
- Enter - Default behavior (usually current tab)
- CTRL-Enter - Force open in new tab
- CTRL-SHIFT-Enter - Force open in current tab
Table Search Commands
Several built-in commands search common tables:
| Command | Table |
|---|---|
/p | System Properties |
/u | Users |
/br | Business Rules |
/si | Script Includes |
/log | System Log |
/app | Application Scopes |
Adding Search Parameters
Commands accept search terms and switches:
Example: /p ui.session -s -p
/p- Properties table commandui.session- Search term for the name field-s- Restrict results to current scope-p- Pin the filter (show expanded)
Understanding Switches
Switches modify command behavior:
| Symbol | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ∀ | Adds filter condition | -a for active=true |
| ↝ | Adds URL parameter | -p for sysparm_filter_pinned=true |
| ↥↧ | Adds order by | -ud for ^ORDERBYDESCsys_updated_on |
| ➚ | Opens related page | -t for table definition |
Common useful switches:
/p -n- Open new record/p -t- Open table definition/p -r- Open random record
Inline Results
Confirm your search with the Right Arrow key to see results inline. Navigate with numbers or mouse click.
Commands with inline results show the ⇲ symbol.
Using Encoded Queries
You can pass an encoded query as the parameter:
/p valueLIKEwashi
This overrides the default name search.
Dynamic Table Search
Start typing any table name and SN Utils will find matching tables:
After 3 characters, tables are automatically searched. For sys tables (many matches), additional searches trigger after each _. You can also press Right Arrow to trigger a search.
Navigate with Up/Down arrows and select with Tab. Then apply switches as usual.
Because dynamic table commands don't have a predefined default search field, a bare word won't filter results. To filter, pass an encoded query (/incident short_descriptionLIKEvpn) or use an inline -field:value filter (/incident -short_description:vpn). See Switches.
By default, lists opened by table name include sysparm_filter_pinned=true so the filter breadcrumb stays pinned open. You can change or remove this with the List Navigation URL Parameters setting (/manage.html#advanced, Editor & List Configuration): clear the field for plain list URLs, or add your own parameters such as sysparm_view=. The -p and -f switches still add pinning per command.
Wildcard Search
Use * for contains search if you don't know the exact table name:
Command History
Use the Up Arrow key to scroll through your recently used commands.