You'll learn to explain how workspace mode prevents conflicting edits, describe a workflow session, and choose a mode for a team.
Technical definition
Workspace mode controls how administrators edit an ADOM. With it off, several people can edit at once. In normal workspace mode an ADOM or package is locked while someone edits. In workflow mode, changes also go through a submit and approve session.
Two administrators, one package
Maya and Luis both open the HQ package on Monday morning. Each adds a rule and saves. Whoever saves last may replace the other's work without a warning. Workspace mode exists to prevent that.
Three modes
The three workspace modes
On small screens, swipe sideways or focus the diagram and use the arrow keys.
More control means more steps. Changing the mode affects every administrator, so announce it first.
Three modes
On small screens, swipe sideways or focus the diagram and use the arrow keys.
Read each row across: the left box names the item, the others describe it.
config system global
set workspace-mode normal
end
FMG1. Use workflow instead of normal to add approvals. Changing the mode affects every administrator, so announce it first.
A workflow session
Workflow mode: a change is approved before it is committed
On small screens, swipe sideways or focus the diagram and use the arrow keys.
Workflow gives you an audit trail and a second pair of eyes. It adds delay, so use it where change control matters.
The editor locks the ADOM (or package) and makes the change.
The editor submits a session with a comment describing it.
An approver reviews the changes and approves or rejects the session.
An approved session is committed to the ADOM, and the change is ready to install.
Locks left behind
An administrator who forgets to unlock holds everyone else out. Know who can break a lock, and agree how to use it, before locks become part of the daily routine.
Check your understanding
Predict · scenario 1
Two administrators saved changes to the same package and one change vanished. Which setting would have helped?
Predict · scenario 2
What does workflow mode add to normal workspace mode?
Predict · scenario 3
Which is the default workspace mode?
Further reading in Fortinet's documentation
Links open the named page in Fortinet's documentation (checked 19 October 2026). RouteLearn is an independent educational resource, not affiliated with or endorsed by Fortinet. Fortinet, FortiGate, FortiOS, FortiManager and FortiGuard are trademarks of Fortinet, Inc. Example output on this page is illustrative.
FAQ
Is workspace mode on by default?
No. By default several administrators can edit the same ADOM at once, and the later save can overwrite the earlier one. Enable it where more than one person changes configuration.
Does workflow slow people down?
Yes, deliberately. A reviewer must approve each session before it is committed. Use it where change control or audit matters, and normal mode where speed matters more.
Where is the mode set?
It is a FortiManager-wide setting, available in the GUI under System Settings and in the CLI under config system global.