When the multi-purpose selector of a node dialog box is set to State Numbers, you can assign a number to each state of a discrete variable, or view the current assignments. (For a continuous variable the menu won't have a "State Numbers" choice). You can also do this operation using the State Number setting box, which has the same capabilities and effect. However, the multi-purpose box is usually more convenient, especially if you want to enter many evenly spaced numbers, or if you want to paste in the numbers of all the states at once, which you have copied from another node or even from another program. (More info on state numbers)
You simply enter all the numbers into the box, separated by space(s), tabs, commas or on separate lines. There should be one number for each desired state. If the number of states implied by the list is different from the node’s current number of states, the node’s number of states will be changed.
Shortcut Notation: If you want to quickly create a list of evenly spaced numbers, you can use the same shorthand notation as used for discretizing a node.