> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://bridge-lab.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://bridge-lab.gitbook.io/docs/admin/redcap/redcap-101.md).

# REDCap 101

## What is REDCap?

REDCap is a secure, web-based application designed for building and managing online databases and surveys, especially for research and clinical projects.

It allows us to:

* Collect participant data
* Store sensitive information securely
* Create surveys and forms
* Track longitudinal visits
* Export data for analysis
* Control user access and permissions

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## REDCap Terminology

<table><thead><tr><th width="155.5">Term</th><th width="376">Meaning</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Project</td><td>The overall database or study</td></tr><tr><td>Record</td><td>One participant or entry</td></tr><tr><td>Instrument</td><td>A form or survey</td></tr><tr><td>Event</td><td>A timepoint/visit in longitudinal studies</td></tr><tr><td>Report</td><td>A filtered view of project data</td></tr></tbody></table>

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## Exporting Reports/Data

### Exporting a Report

1. Open your REDCap project
2. Navigate to **Reports & Exports**
3. Select the report you want
4. Click **View Report**
5. Click **Export Data**
6. Choose a format (csv is the most commonly used in the lab)
   1. **Raw Data**: Original values stored in REDCap
   2. **Labels**: Human-readable response labels
7. Download the file

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## Importing Data

REDCap supports importing records from spreadsheets or CSV files.

### Basic Import Workflow

1. Prepare a CSV file
2. Ensure column names exactly match REDCap variable names
3. Open your project
4. Navigate to **Data Import Tool**
5. Upload the CSV
6. Review validation warnings/errors
7. Confirm import