> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cortex.aic.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cortex.aic.io/workflow-guides/products/quick-product.md).

# Quick Product

**Open this area:** In the CORTEX menu, select **Intelligence cycle → Products**.

A short guide for the author, reviewer, approver and publisher of an internal Product.

**Who uses this:** Author, Reviewer.\
**Open in CORTEX:** `/products`.\
**In-app guide:** `/help?topic=quick-product`.

**Expected result:** A complete Product is released as an exact, approved package to named internal recipients.

## Before you start

* The author needs Product write access, a visible requirement and any required evidence and processing permissions.
* Release uses separate submission, review, approval and publication permissions. Have the intended eligible internal recipients' exact email addresses.

## What to do

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## Start the draft

Open Product drafts and click Create product draft. Choose the requirement and template, then write the title and sections. Continue through the guided steps and click Save product draft.

Save basic internal draft is available for an incomplete internal draft; it cannot yet be released.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Finish the content

Open the saved Product and choose Product tasks, then Amend current draft. Fill every section, check citations, limitations and information-as-of, then save the current revision.

An internal PDF or Word export remains marked as a draft.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Request a controlled release

On the complete Product, click Draft a controlled release. Select the exact Product and named audience, complete any required processing decision and click Save release draft.

On its Workflow tab, choose Submit exact scope for review, enter a reason and click Apply action.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Record separate decisions

An eligible reviewer chooses Endorse reviewed scope or Request scope changes and clicks Apply action with a reason.

After endorsement, an eligible independent approver chooses Approve exact scope independently and clicks Apply action. The author cannot approve their own contributed content.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Publish and check

An authorised publisher chooses Publish controlled package on this node and clicks Apply action with a reason.

Confirm the Released state and package hash. Publication prepares the package on the node; it does not email recipients or record their receipt.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Check the result

* Does every section contain the intended text?
* Does the release name the exact revision and eligible audience?
* Are review, approval and publication confirmed on the release record?

## If you get stuck

<details>

<summary>Why is Draft a controlled release missing?</summary>

Complete every Product section and check that Dissemination is enabled and you have release submission access. Save the new Product revision before returning to the release action.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Why can I not approve or publish?</summary>

Check the current release state, your separate permission and the independence rule. A changed Product, audience or processing decision makes earlier approval obsolete and needs a fresh review.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Why has the recipient not received anything?</summary>

Publishing retains a controlled package on this node. Share the authorised release link through the approved channel; the recipient must download and acknowledge the exact package separately.

</details>

## Responsibility and limits

* The author is responsible for the content. Reviewers, approvers and publishers make separate decisions under their own permissions; the release applies only to its exact content and audience.

**Reference and scope:** For the full drafting and release checks, open Author an intelligence Product and Review, approve and publish an exact internal release below.

**Related workflows:** [Author an intelligence Product and inspect its exports](/workflow-guides/products/product-drafts.md); [Review, approve and publish an exact internal release](/workflow-guides/products/release.md); [Start here: acknowledge and use feedback](/workflow-guides/feedback/quick-feedback.md).