# Workflows

> Multi-step approval and routing rules that run when content changes state.

A workflow is a named, enforceable sequence of steps that content moves
through, such as "this needs sign-off from two people, one of whom is in
security".

## Steps

Each step names who can act on it and what acting means: approve, reject, or
pass to the next step. Steps run in order, and content cannot skip one.

## Where a run starts

A run is created when the event a workflow is bound to happens, usually a
publish attempt. The content stays in its pre-publish state until the run
completes.

## Cancelling

A run can be cancelled, which returns the content to the author. Cancellation
is itself an authorised action.

> [!NOTE]
> Every step transition is recorded in the
> [audit log](/foliums/blueprintr-user-guide/teams/audit-log), including who acted
> and when.

## Workflows and policies

[Publish approval](/foliums/blueprintr-user-guide/teams/policies) is the
one-step case. Use a workflow when one approval is not enough: when the
approver depends on the content, or when several groups must sign in order.