Unlocking ServiceNow Images: Converting IIX Files to PNG or JPG
- nathanlee142
- Mar 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 26
When working with ServiceNow, you might encounter image files with the extension .iix. This format isn't as common as .png or .jpg, and you might find yourself needing these images in a more widely supported format, especially when displaying them in HTML or other web contexts. If you've used gr.getDisplayValue(item.photo) and retrieved an image reference ending in .iix, you're in the right place. This article will guide you through the simple steps to obtain your images in the desired .png or .jpg format.
Introduction: Understanding the IIX Image Format in ServiceNow
ServiceNow sometimes utilizes the .iix file extension for images, particularly for icons associated with catalog items or other records. While this format works within the ServiceNow platform, you might need these images in standard formats like .png or .jpg for use in custom HTML displays, external integrations, or other scenarios. Fortunately, the process of converting these .iix files is often surprisingly straightforward.
Main Body: The Simple Solution: Renaming Your IIX File
Based on community experiences, the most common and effective method to get a .png or .jpg image from an .iix file in ServiceNow is simply to rename the file extension. Here's how you can do it:
Step-by-Step Guide:
Locate the IIX File: First, you'll need to have the .iix file downloaded or accessible. If you obtained it through gr.getDisplayValue(item.photo), it might be a file saved in your default download location or wherever you chose to store it.
Rename the File: The key step is to change the file extension from .iix to either .png or .jpg.
If you suspect it's a PNG image: Rename the file, replacing the .iix at the end with .png. For example, if your file is named image.iix, rename it to image.png.
If you suspect it's a JPG image: Alternatively, you can try renaming it to .jpg. However, based on user reports and testing, .iix files in ServiceNow are most often PNG images with a different extension.
In rare cases, the .iix file might contain SVG content. However, changing the extension usually doesn’t work—use GlideSysAttachment to extract the actual image data if needed.
Verify the Image: After renaming the file, try opening it with a standard image viewer on your computer. If the image opens correctly, you've successfully converted it.
Why This Works:
The reason this simple renaming often works is that the .iix file might actually be a .png (or sometimes a .jpg) file internally, but with a different extension used by ServiceNow in certain contexts. By changing the extension, you're essentially telling your operating system and image viewer to interpret the file as the correct format.
Example Scenario:
Let's say you are customizing the display of catalog items in a widget and using gr.getDisplayValue('icon') to fetch the item's icon. This might result in an icon.iix file. To display this icon as a standard image in your HTML, you would simply rename icon.iix to icon.png.
Alternative Solution: Using an Online Image Converter
If the simple renaming doesn't work, or if you need the image in a specific format that renaming doesn't provide, you can use an online image converter. There are many free online tools that allow you to upload an image file and convert it to various formats like PNG, JPG, GIF, etc. Simply search for "online image converter" in your web browser, choose a reputable tool, upload your .iix file, and select your desired output format.
Conclusion: Easily Convert IIX Images in ServiceNow
Obtaining standard image formats like PNG or JPG from ServiceNow's .iix files is often a quick and easy process. The most common solution is to simply rename the file extension from .iix to .png. This usually works because the underlying file is often already in the PNG format. If renaming doesn't achieve the desired result, online image converters provide a reliable alternative. By following these simple steps, you can easily access and utilize your ServiceNow images in the formats you need for your various development and customization tasks.
