# Object states

Object states are user-defined states that can be assigned to content items. They're contained in groups.

If a state group contains any states, each content item is automatically assigned a state from this group.

You can assign states to content in the back office in the content item's **Technical details** tab.

By default, Ibexa DXP contains one object state group: **Lock**, with states **Locked** and **Not locked**.

Object states can be used in conjunction with [permissions](https://doc.ibexa.co/en/latest/permissions/permission_overview/index.md), in particular with the [object state limitation](https://doc.ibexa.co/en/latest/permissions/limitation_reference/#object-state-limitation). Their specific use cases depend on your needs and the setup of your permission system.