Draft and live studies: what changes at go-live
A new study starts as a Draft: you can build and test everything freely. When you launch it, it becomes Live: participants can be enrolled, notifications start, and changes to the set-up need a reason and your electronic signature.
Study statuses
| Status | What it means |
|---|---|
| Draft | Build and test the study. Change anything without signatures. Use test participants to try forms and logic. |
| Live | Participants can be enrolled, data collected and notifications sent. Set-up changes need a signed reason. |
| Closed | Enrollment has stopped for good and the study is complete. Data stays available for review and export. |
| Archived | Read-only. All records are kept, but nothing more can change (archive a study). |
What changes when you go live
- Changes to the visit schedule, approved forms, edit checks, roles and randomization settings need a reason and your electronic signature. Draft studies are never affected.
- The schedule defaults, milestone registry and participant language become read-only.
- Forms that are not approved yet stay blocked for data entry until someone approves them.
- Participant emails and reminders start.
Questions
Can I test my study before going live?
Yes. Draft studies are made for that: add test participants, fill in forms, try skip logic and edit checks, and check the audit trail. Read how to take a study live when you are ready.
Was this guide helpful?
Related guides
Still need help?
Email support@capture.study or use the contact form. Tell us the study name, what you were trying to do and the exact message on screen; a screenshot helps.
Please never send participant names, contact details or health information to support.