\(Legacy\) Create an NLU model from blank

task brazil Updated Sep 10, 2026 1 min read create-nlu-modelx.md

Create a Natural Language Understanding (NLU) model from scratch. Start with an empty model to have full control over the model's content.

Before you begin

Make sure that the NLU Workbench plugin, NLU Workbench - Core plugin, and Predictive Intelligence plugin are all installed and activated on your instance.
You can create NLU models for Virtual Agent and AI Search.
Role required: nlu_admin or admin

About this task

In this example procedure, you're building an NLU model to help Virtual Agent understand human-expressed intent regarding Human Resources.

Procedure

Set your scope to the application scope you want for your model.
Navigate to All > NLU Workbench > Models.

The Virtual Agent tab opens by default.
Select the tab for the type of model you want to create, such as AI Search.
Select the Create new model button.
In the Add some details window, select the Start from blank button.
In the define details page, enter a unique Name and Short description.

[Omitted image "create-model-x.png"] Alt text: Window for creating an NLU model from blank. Fill in the model details such as the language and purpose.

In this example scenario, you enter HR Model for Virtual Agent for the name and Natural language for Human Resources user requests for the description.
Select the language and purpose from the drop-down lists.

In this example scenario, select English and Virtual Agent.
Select a business area for your model.
Select Next.

Your model starts building. When complete, select View model to open the Model details page for your new model.

What to do next

[Omitted image "create-nlu-model-blank03.png"] Alt text: Model details page after creating a model from blank.

Your new model contains no content. Select Add content to begin adding intents, entities, and vocabulary. For more information, see (Legacy) Build and train your model.

Add test utterances and intents to build the model's default test set. For more information, see (Legacy) Test set creation and management.

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---
title: \(Legacy\) Create an NLU model from blank
description: Create a Natural Language Understanding \(NLU\) model from scratch. Start with an empty model to have full control over the model's content.
locale: en-US
canonical_url: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/intelligent-experiences/nlu-service/create-nlu-modelx.html
release: brazil
product: NLU Service
classification: nlu-service
topic_type: task
last_updated: "2026-09-10"
reading_time_minutes: 1
breadcrumb: [\(Legacy\) Creating models, \(Legacy\) Model management, \(Legacy\) Natural Language Understanding, Machine learning and natural language capabilities, Enable AI Experiences]
---

# \(Legacy\) Create an NLU model from blank

Create a Natural Language Understanding \(NLU\) model from scratch. Start with an empty model to have full control over the model's content.

## Before you begin

- Make sure that the NLU Workbench plugin, NLU Workbench - Core plugin, and Predictive Intelligence plugin are all installed and activated on your instance.
- You can create NLU models for Virtual Agent and AI Search.
- Role required: nlu\_admin or admin

## About this task

In this example procedure, you're building an NLU model to help Virtual Agent understand human-expressed intent regarding Human Resources.

## Procedure

1. Set your scope to the application scope you want for your model.

2. Navigate to **All** &gt; **NLU Workbench** &gt; **Models**.

The Virtual Agent tab opens by default.

3. Select the tab for the type of model you want to create, such as AI Search.

4. Select the **Create new model** button.

5. In the **Add some details** window, select the **Start from blank** button.

6. In the define details page, enter a unique **Name** and **Short description**.

\[Omitted image "create-model-x.png"\] Alt text: Window for creating an NLU model from blank. Fill in the model details such as the language and purpose.

In this example scenario, you enter `HR Model for Virtual Agent` for the name and `Natural language for Human Resources user requests` for the description.

7. Select the language and purpose from the drop-down lists.

In this example scenario, select `English` and `Virtual Agent`.

8. Select a business area for your model.

9. Select **Next**.

Your model starts building. When complete, select **View model** to open the **Model details** page for your new model.

## What to do next

\[Omitted image "create-nlu-model-blank03.png"\] Alt text: Model details page after creating a model from blank.

Your new model contains no content. Select **Add content** to begin adding intents, entities, and vocabulary. For more information, see [\(Legacy\) Build and train your model](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/brazil/markdown/intelligent-experiences/nlu-service/managing-model-content.md).

Add test utterances and intents to build the model's default test set. For more information, see [\(Legacy\) Test set creation and management](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/brazil/markdown/intelligent-experiences/nlu-service/nlu-test-set-creation-management.md).