---
title: "Create a workflow with states"
slug: "create-a-workflow-with-states"
abstract: "How to create a workflow with states and how to define the initial state."
---
# Create a workflow with states

When you create a workflow, this topic illustrates how you define the initial state.

## Create a workflow

To create a workflow named *Product Review*, go to */sitecore/System/Workflows*. In the Options pane, click **Workflow**.

![Create a workflow named Product Review.](https://doc.sitecore.com/api/markdown-image/xp/en/developers/103/sitecore-experience-manager/images/XM-Create_wflow.png)

## Create a state

To create a state, right-click the *Product Review* workflow and click **Insert**, **State**. Name the state *Draft*.

Now create two more states called *Awaiting Approval* and *Approved*. Use drag and drop to arrange them in that order under *Draft*.

![The Product Review workflow with the Draft, Awaiting Approval and Approved states.](https://doc.sitecore.com/api/markdown-image/xp/en/developers/103/sitecore-experience-manager/images/XM-States_created.png)

## Define the Initial state

To define the initial state, click the **Product Review** workflow, the **Data** section and click **Draft** in the **Initial state** field.

![Set the workflow's Initial state.](https://doc.sitecore.com/api/markdown-image/xp/en/developers/103/sitecore-experience-manager/images/XM-Set_init_state.png)