# Projects

Clarity LIMS uses projects as the basis for all work performed in the system. All samples must be added to an existing project.

A project stores the following information:

* The client and account associated with the project.
* The priority of the project (Low, Standard, High).
* The samples submitted to the project.
* Project status (Pending, Open, Closed).
* The date the project was opened and closed.
* Files associated with the project.
* Any configured custom fields.

## Create Projects <a href="#create-projects" id="create-projects"></a>

Before adding samples to Clarity LIMS, create a project to store them.

{% hint style="info" %}
By default, you can create projects. However, this role-based permission is configurable. For details, see [configured-role-based-permissions](https://help.connected.illumina.com/clarity-lims/clarity-lims-v6.3-and-lablink-v2.5/clarity-lims-v6.3-reference-guide/configuration/user-management/configured-role-based-permissions "mention").
{% endhint %}

1. On the **Projects and Sample**s tab, select **New Project**.
2. On the **Properties** tab, in the Project Details section, complete the following tasks:
   * Type a descriptive name for the project.
   * If creating a new account, type the name directly into the field. Otherwise, select an existing account from the drop-down list.
   * If creating a new client, type the name directly into the field. Otherwise, select an existing client from the drop-down list.
   * By default, the project opened date is set to the current date. To change this date, select the Opened field and select a date from the calendar.
   * If necessary, edit the project priority. The default is Standard.
3. On the **Custom Fields** tab, complete the additional details for this project. Mandatory fields are indicated with yellow shading.
4. \[Optional] To upload a file to the project:
   * Select the **Files** tab, then select **Upload File**.
   * Select **Choose File**, browse for and select the file, and select **Upload**.
5. Select **Save**. The new project displays in the Projects list. Samples can now be added.

## View and Modify Projects

### View, Modify and Delete a Project

To view, modify, or delete a project, complete the following steps:

1. Navigate to the **Projects and Samples** tab.
2. In the Projects list, select the project. The Project Details screen displays the details for the selected project.
3. To modify project details, select the field and edit as required (see Project Creation).
4. Select **Save**.
5. To delete the project, select **Delete**.

Before deleting a project, consider the following details:

* Deleting a project also deletes any samples it contains.
* By default, projects can be deleted provided no work has been recorded (or is in progress) on the samples. However, this role-based permission is configurable.
* If the samples contained in a project have recorded or in-progress protocol steps, the project cannot be deleted without special user permissions.

{% hint style="info" %}
For information on role-based permissions, see [configured-role-based-permissions](https://help.connected.illumina.com/clarity-lims/clarity-lims-v6.3-and-lablink-v2.5/clarity-lims-v6.3-reference-guide/configuration/user-management/configured-role-based-permissions "mention").
{% endhint %}

### View and Modify Project Status

To view and update the project status, complete the following steps:

1. Navigate to the **Projects and Samples** tab.
2. In the Projects list, select a project.

   On the **Properties** tab in the Project Details area, the Status slider indicates the status of the project.
3. To move the slider and change the project status, select the desired status.

### View and Modify Custom Fields

To view and modify custom fields, complete the following steps:

1. Navigate to the **Projects and Samples** tab.
2. In the Projects list, select a project.
3. In the Project Details area, navigate to the **Custom Fields** tab.
4. Select a field to modify and edit as required.
5. Select **Save**.

### Download / Upload Files

To download, view, and upload project files, complete the following steps:

1. Navigate to the **Projects and Samples** tab.
2. In the Projects list, select a project.
3. In the Project Details area, navigate to the **Files** tab. Files currently associated with the project are displayed.
4. To download and view a project file, select the file.
5. To upload a file:

   a. Select **Upload File**.

   b. Select **Choose File**.

   c. Browse for the file, select it, and select Upload.

## Project Automation

See [#project-automation](#project-automation "mention") on how to configure Project Automation.