---
title: The Approval Universe
description: "How to find and decide on document approvals from the Approval module. **Applies to:** approvers and admins · **Module:** Approval ## What the Approval Universe Is The **Approval** item in the left menu lists document approvals in one place, so…"
url: "https://support.symbiant.co.uk/kb/the-approval-universe/"
updated: "2026-10-30"
category: Document Management Basics
---

# The Approval Universe

How to find and decide on document approvals from the Approval module.

**Applies to:** approvers and admins · **Module:** Approval

## What the Approval Universe Is

The **Approval** item in the left menu lists document approvals in one place, so approvers do not need to open each document. Which approvals you see depends on your role. Approvals are added on the document itself (see [Document Approval Process](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/kb/document-approval-process/)), so there is no **+** icon here.

## Finding an Approval

1. In the left menu, click **Approval**. The **Awaiting Approval** view lists each approval with its **Change Details**, **Added By**, **Date Added**, **Approval Approver**, **Doc No**, **Revision No** and **Document Revision Status**.

[![Awaiting Approval list](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/the-approval-universe-01-list.png)](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/the-approval-universe-01-list.png)

1. Click a row to open the approval. It shows the document, the revision with its file, and the approval details.

[![Approval record with its document and revision](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/the-approval-universe-02-record.png)](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/the-approval-universe-02-record.png)

## Giving a Decision

1. In **Approval Decision**, select **Approved** or **Rejected**. Only the assigned approver can choose. If you reject, add a comment explaining why.

[![Approval Decision](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/the-approval-universe-03-decision.png)](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/the-approval-universe-03-decision.png)

1. Click **Save**. **Approved By** and **Date Approved** are filled in, and the decision shows on the document's Approval tab.

## Related articles

- [Document Approval Process](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/kb/document-approval-process/)
- [The Change Request Universe](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/kb/the-change-request-universe/)