There are many ways to do this, but one scenario, which is very common is this: As you approach the last waypoint before the dest. airport the ATC will say something like "Cleared to the Los Angeles airport via the Sadde Six arrival".
Now you insert the Sadde 6 arrival, but may wait to select the runway.
As you are descending into LA, SOCAL approach might issue "Proceed direct SMO. Descend and maintain 10.000, Depart SMO heading 070. Expect ILS runway two four left approach"
Now you can flip to the arrivals page and select the ILS 24L approach, and SMO transition.
clearer?