> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.b2ihealthcare.com/snow-owl-authoring-platform/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.b2ihealthcare.com/snow-owl-authoring-platform/editing-and-authoring/authoring-mode-selection.md).

# Authoring Mode Selection

The user can easily change between two authoring modes: *Stated relationship based authoring* and *OWL axiom based authoring*. The point of keeping the two authoring modes separated from each other is to prevent the users from performing unintentional, erroneous authoring actions.&#x20;

There are two ways to select and set the authoring mode.

### Client Startup

The *Adjust SNOMED CT configuration* dialog becomes available to users during client initialization. The second page of this dialog offers the possibility to set the desired authoring mode before the client starts up.

![Authoring Mode Selection During Client Initialization](/files/X843zCu2LAfzcokMnNnL)

### SNOMED CT Settings Preferences Page

The authoring mode can also be set via the SNOMED CT Settings Page within the client. It can be invoked by clicking on the ![](https://snowowl.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/978256239/sct-setting-icon.png?version=1\&modificationDate=1593439805952\&cacheVersion=1\&api=v2) icon on the main toolbar., where users can set one of the two authoring modes just as simple as in the previous case.

![Authoring Mode Selection via SNOMED CT Settings](/files/hczMpoX5M4KEpWfTqpha)

### Differences between the two authoring modes <a href="#authoringmodeselection-differencesbetweenthetwoauthoringmodes" id="authoringmodeselection-differencesbetweenthetwoauthoringmodes"></a>

#### OWL Axiom based authoring mode:

* In the Concept Editor, on the Overview Page, the Properties section is hidden, unless the concept has stated relationships.
* New stated relationships cannot be added to a concept, users are only allowed to retire them.
* In case of creating a new concept, the new relationships are Owl Axioms.

#### Stated relationship based authoring mode:

* In the Concept Editor, on the Overview Page, the Properties section is always visible, even if it is empty.
* New stated relationships can be added as well.
* In case of creating a new concept, the new relationships are stated relationships.


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