Manually start a workflow on a document or item

You can manually start a workflow on a document or item directly from the list or library where it is saved. The options available to you when you start the workflow may vary, depending on what the workflow is designed to do and how it was customized when it was added to the list, library, or content type for the item. You must have at least the Edit Items permission to start a workflow. Some workflows might require that you also have the Manage Lists permission or another specific permission to start a workflow on a document or item.

For more information about how to start one of the predefined workflows that are included in Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, see the links in the See Also section. The Collect Signatures workflow that is included in Office SharePoint Server 2007 must be started in the relevant 2007 Microsoft Office system client program.

Note: If you want to ensure that workflow participants receive e-mail alerts and reminders about their workflow tasks after you start a workflow, ask your server administrator to verify that e-mail is enabled for your site.

1. If the list or library is not already open, click its name on the Quick Launch.

   If the name of your list or library does not appear, click View All Site Content, and then click the name of your list or library.

2. Point to the name of the document or item for which you want to start a workflow, click the arrow that appears, and then click Workflows.

   Note: The Workflows command is available only when the item is in a list or library that has at least one workflow associated with it.

3. Under Start a New Workflow, click the name of the workflow that you want to start.

   Some workflows may start immediately, and you will not be prompted to provide additional information.

4. If you are prompted to provide information such as a list of participants, task instructions, or due date, type the information in the fields provided.

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