---
title: Location, catalog, category, and topic functions
description: When creating or editing a catalog item, you can use plain language to assign values for catalog, category, or topic. If the value you provide matches an existing entry, AI automatically applies it to the item. This streamlines the process and reduces manual data entry.
locale: en-US
canonical_url: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/servicenow-platform/service-catalog/setting-location-catalog-category-and-topic-with-now-assist.html
release: australia
product: Service Catalog
classification: service-catalog
topic_type: reference
last_updated: "2026-03-12"
reading_time_minutes: 2
breadcrumb: [Things to know while creating items using AI, AI Authoring for Catalog Builder reference, AI Authoring for Catalog Builder, Service Catalog, Manage service capabilities, Extend ServiceNow AI Platform capabilities]
---

# Location, catalog, category, and topic functions

When creating or editing a catalog item, you can use plain language to assign values for catalog, category, or topic. If the value you provide matches an existing entry, AI automatically applies it to the item. This streamlines the process and reduces manual data entry.

Content generation by AI within Catalog Builder is limited to Topic, Catalog, and Category fields. It does not generate values for Location or other fields outside this set. Users can only select a Catalog, Category, or Topic from the list that already exists.

When you enter a value, AI searches for an exact match. The system handles the different scenarios as follows:

-   Exactly one match found: The value is applied automatically, and no further action is needed.
-   Multiple matches or no match found: AI does not guess. Instead, it notifies you and displays available options in the chat, allowing you to select the correct value yourself.

**Note:** While you resolve any ambiguity in the chat, the rest of your conversation with AI remains active. You can continue making other changes or asking questions at the same time.

Categories are associated with a catalog, creating a close relationship between the two. AI manages different input scenarios as follows:

## Providing both catalog and category together

If you specify both a catalog and a category, AI checks whether the category belongs to the selected catalog.

-   Valid combination: Both values are applied.
-   Invalid combination: You're notified and prompted to select the correct and available values from the list.

## Providing only a category

When only a category is provided, AI searches under any catalogs already assigned to the item for a matching category.

-   Exactly one match found: The category is applied automatically.
-   Multiple matches found: AI asks to select the correct and available value from the list.

## If no catalog has been assigned yet

If no catalog is assigned when you specify a category, AI asks you to add a catalog first since a category must be linked to a parent catalog.

## Assigning topics

You can assign topics to a catalog item simply by mentioning them in your prompt. After AI recognizes valid topics, it adds them to the item automatically. Also, when a user tries to add a topic, AI searches in the attached taxonomies. If there is no taxonomy attached to the item, then user would be prompted to add a taxonomy first and then a topic.

## Assigning multiple values

A catalog item can belong to more than one catalog, category, or topic. AI supports assigning multiple values for these fields in a single interaction, making it efficient to update or create complex catalog items.

-   When a template controls values:

    In cases where a catalog item is based on a template with pre-set values for catalog, category, or topic, those template values take priority and can't be changed. If you attempt to modify a locked field, AI informs you that the value is controlled by the template and can't be edited.

-   When some fields are locked and others aren't:

    If you request updates to multiple fields at once, and some of those fields are locked by a template while others aren't, AI will:

    -   Apply the changes to any fields that are allowed to be updated.
    -   Notify you about which fields could not be changed due to template control.

**Parent Topic:**[Things to know while creating items using AI](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/servicenow-platform/service-catalog/things-to-know-while-creating-items-using-ai.md)