> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.repdata.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating Projects

> Set up research projects with the right manager, account, and scope in Research Desk.

A project is the top-level container for your research initiative. All surveys, sources, and reconciliation for that initiative live under one project.

## When to create a new project

Create a new project when you begin a distinct research initiative. Each project should represent one specific study or program with a defined end date.

| Recommendation                   | Why                                                                  |
| -------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| One project per initiative       | Keeps fieldwork, costs, and reconciliation organized                 |
| 1–2 month fielding window        | Improves performance and keeps reporting manageable                  |
| Avoid a single catch-all project | Makes reconciliation, exclusions, and cost tracking harder over time |

## Creating a project

<Steps>
  <Step title="Search for duplicates">
    Use the search bar with **All Statuses** selected. Search by project name or number to confirm you are not creating a duplicate.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click New Project">
    Opens the project creation form.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter project details">
    Set project name, project number (internal reference — not enforced), project manager, and out-of-field date/time. Adjust timezone if needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select account">
    If you belong to multiple Research Desk accounts, choose the correct billing and permissions context.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    The project appears in your project list.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Duplicating projects

Use **Duplicate Project** to copy an existing project as a starting point for a new wave or similar study. The duplicate modal lets you edit project-level fields before saving.

When duplicating tracker studies, review [Sample Exclusions](/research-desk/guides/06-sample-exclusions) to prevent repeat respondents from prior waves.

## Updating projects

You can update project metadata after creation. Changing project details does not affect live survey configuration, but keeping the project manager and end date current helps your team stay aligned during fieldwork.

## After creating a project

1. [Create surveys](/research-desk/guides/02-creating-surveys) for each country-language or audience segment
2. [Configure sources](/research-desk/guides/03-configuring-sources) to route respondents into each survey
3. Optionally set [sample exclusions](/research-desk/guides/06-sample-exclusions) before launching