> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.siminsights.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.siminsights.com/hyperskill-studio-authoring/state-machine-reference/scenario-flow/state-machine-interface.md).

# State Machine Interface

This page describes the State Machine tab: the toolbar and authoring space, and how states and transitions appear in it.

## Interface overview

<figure><img src="https://2704613365-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FxYaaXoZ4YGbVdAnAhdcE%2Fuploads%2F4gZyHys9pGviVZYIPj64%2F140.png?alt=media&#x26;token=feae8e55-fa34-4aa3-8f4a-8f7aff8cc063" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. **State Machine Tab:** opens the State Machine creator panel.
2. **Add State:** adds an empty state to the scene.
3. **Add Transition:** adds a transition between two states. Transitions cannot be added between states and the Always Running State.
4. **Entry Node Dropdown:** a dropdown of all the states inside the State Machine Authoring Space. The selected state is the first state the simulation starts in. States earlier in the layout are not called unless a transition leads back to them.
5. **States Button:** shows information on the currently selected state, including Triggers and Conditions.
6. **Attributes Button:** shows the attributes of all entities in the scene. Default attributes of entities are generated automatically and are available here. You can also add your own attributes in this panel.
7. **Always Running State:** a unique state in which Triggers and Conditions are checked on every action of the end user. It cannot be linked to any other state.
8. **Zoom In/Out Buttons:** move the view of the State Machine Authoring Space in or out, depending on which button is pressed.
9. **State Machine Authoring Space:** the space in which States and Transitions are arranged.

## States and Transitions

<figure><img src="https://2704613365-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FxYaaXoZ4YGbVdAnAhdcE%2Fuploads%2FWyPYh35dbyuvixudNsaf%2F141.png?alt=media&#x26;token=67c00164-6f64-4078-9d5f-6df58f2055db" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. **State Name:** the identifier of the state. It shows in the Entry Node Dropdown and in the Transition Description field. Select the state to see what happens when it is entered. The name can be empty.
2. **State Deletion:** deletes the state, along with any transitions coming from or going to it.
3. **Transition Link:** an arrow showing the connection between two states. Select it to show the conditions or triggers for the transition. If no condition or trigger is given, the transition happens automatically.
4. **State Description:** an area where the author can describe the state. It has no effect on how the simulation runs, but it helps identify what the state does without selecting it.

See also: [State Actions](/hyperskill-studio-authoring/state-machine-reference/scenario-flow/state-actions.md), [Attributes](/hyperskill-studio-authoring/state-machine-reference/scenario-flow/attributes.md) and [Transitions](/hyperskill-studio-authoring/state-machine-reference/scenario-flow/transitions.md).