Form Builder
The form builder lets you design the data extraction form your team will use to capture structured information from included studies. You can create any number of fields, group them into logical sections, and choose the field type that best fits each data point you need to collect.
You must have at least one included study in your project before you can begin data extraction. Set up the form before any extractor starts filling it in.
Opening the form builder
From your project, navigate to the Data Extraction section and select the Form Builder tab. If no form exists yet, you will see an empty canvas with an option to add your first section.
Organizing your form with sections
Sections group related fields together. A typical extraction form might have sections such as:
- Study characteristics - year, country, study design
- Population - sample size, age range, inclusion criteria met
- Intervention details - drug name, dose, duration
- Comparator - control group description
- Outcomes - primary and secondary outcome measures
- Safety data - adverse events, drop-out rates
To add a section, click Add section and give it a name. You can reorder sections by dragging them into position.
Adding fields
Within each section, click Add field to create a new field. Every field requires:
- Field label - the name displayed to the extractor (e.g., "Sample size")
- Field type - how the data is entered and stored
- Required toggle - whether extractors must fill this field before marking a study complete
Field types
| Type | Description | Example use |
|---|---|---|
| String | Free-text input | Study design, notes |
| Integer | Whole number | Sample size, number of centres |
| Decimal | Number with decimal places | Mean age, hazard ratio |
| Boolean | Yes / No | Randomised? Blinded? |
| List / Dropdown | Select from predefined options | Bias risk rating (Low / Moderate / High) |
For List fields, you define the options in the field editor. Options can be reordered and edited at any time before the form is frozen.
Use Boolean fields for checklist-style items where the answer is simply yes or no. Use List fields when there are three or more distinct categories that extractors should choose between consistently.
Editing and reordering fields
Within a section you can drag fields to change their order. Click the edit icon on any field to update its label, type, or options. You can also delete fields you no longer need - but only before the form is frozen.
Form freezing
Once any extractor starts filling in the form for the first study, the form structure is automatically locked. You cannot add, remove, or change fields after this point.
Form freezing is permanent. If you need to change the form after extraction has started, you must create a new project or contact your project administrator to discuss options. Plan your form carefully before the first extraction begins.
The form builder shows a Frozen badge when the form has been locked. You can still view the form structure, but editing controls are disabled.
Previewing the form
Before extraction begins, use the Preview button to see the form exactly as an extractor will see it. This is the best time to check that field labels are clear, the order feels logical, and no fields are missing.