> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://developer.collibra.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://developer.collibra.com/workflows/creating-workflows/create-start-and-end-events.md).

# Create start and end events

Events represent something that happens in the process. A [start event](/workflows/designing-workflows/processes/shape-repository/start-event.md) is the trigger of the process and is depicted as a circle. The [end event](/workflows/designing-workflows/processes/shape-repository/end-event.md) concludes a process and is depicted as a circle with a bold outline. Each workflow must only have one start event but there may be multiple end events.

{% hint style="info" %}
When you create a new process, it already contains a start event.
{% endhint %}

To create start and end events:

1. From the **Start events** section of the [**Shape repository**](/workflows/designing-workflows/processes/shape-repository.md), drag a **Start event** to the canvas.
2. From the **End events** section of the **Shape repository**, drag an **End event** to the canvas.

{% hint style="info" %}
The start and end events are now disconnected but for the workflow definition to be executable there must always be a connection between them. You create that connection as you add more elements to the workflow.
{% endhint %}

## Start event initiator

The start event configuration adds by default a variable that identifies the user who starts the workflow if you need that user to perform any other task or to receive workflow notifications:

* **Initiator variable**: `initiator`.

{% hint style="info" %}
When you add user tasks to the workflow, they are automatically assigned to the initiator:

* **Candidate users**: `user(${initiator})`.
  {% endhint %}

## Start event form variables

The start event form variables set values that are used throughout the workflow. You can change these variables from the worfklow definition page in Collibra Platform. You can use these variables to identify the users that need to perform workflow tasks and to set customizable values that are used by this or another workflow, for example the [Voting Sub-Process](/workflows/out-of-the-box-workflows-walk-throughs/voting-sub-process.md).

To add a start event form variable:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
On the canvas, select the start event.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In the attribute bar, in the **Details** section, select the **Form properties** attribute.\ <i class="fa-chevrons-right">:chevrons-right:</i> The **Form properties** dialog box appears.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In the **Form properties** dialog box, click **Add item**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter the required information.

{% hint style="success" %}
Set the **Readable** property to *false* to prevent the user who starts the workflow from being prompted for input.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click **OK** to save the changes and close the dialog box.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Additional resources

* [Workflow form properties](/workflows/designing-workflows/forms/start-forms/form-properties.md)
* [Candidate user expressions](/workflows/designing-workflows/processes/shape-repository/user-task/candidate-user-expressions.md)
* [Duration variables](/workflows/managing-workflows-in-collibra/configuration-variables/duration-variables.md)

## What's next

When you have added your start and end events, you can add your [workflow elements](/workflows/creating-workflows/add-workflow-elements.md).


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