> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.dscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.dscout.com/diary-studies/create-a-diary-study.md).
# Create a diary study
Once you've created a Dscout project, you can create a new diary study. You can start from a blank study, duplicate an existing diary study, or begin from one of Dscout's diary templates.
### Create a new diary study
If you want to build a diary study from scratch—or if you're building one for the first time—you'll do so from within your Dscout project.
**To create a new diary study:**
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Click **Create study** in the top-right corner of your project. The **Create something new** modal is displayed.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Under **Diary study**, click **Create**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Select **New blank study**.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
Now, your new study opens in the builder. A diary study has three tabs: you'll build the study and invite participants on **Setup**, track participation and issue payments on **Manage**, and review the data participants submit on **Entries**.
### Start from a diary study template
If you'd rather not start from a blank study, Dscout offers diary templates that come with activities and questions already built. You can use one as-is or adjust it to fit your research.
**To create a diary study from a template:**
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Click **Create study** in the top-right corner of your project. The **Create something new** modal is displayed.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Under **Diary study**, click **Create**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Hover over the template you want to use, then click **Customize**. The template's details open in a modal.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Customize the **variables**, **number of moments**, and **prompts**. Then, click **Create study**.
{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip:** For more information on customizing diary study templates, see [Diary study templates](/diary-studies/what-are-diary-studies-in-dscout/diary-templates-overview.md).
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
Now, your new study opens in the builder, including the template's original questions. You can adjust these questions further, add your own, or delete any you don't wish to use.
### Duplicate an existing diary study
If you have a diary study you want to use as a starting point, you can duplicate it. Duplicating copies the study's activities and questions, so it's the fastest way to run a second wave of the same research.
**To duplicate a diary study:**
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Click **Create study** in the top-right corner of your project. The **Create something new** modal is displayed.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Under **Diary study**, click **Create**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Click **Duplicate an existing study**. Other diary studies across your projects are displayed.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Find the study you want to duplicate, then click **Copy**.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
Now, your study has been duplicated and opens in the builder. You can rename it in the top-left corner, adjust its activities and questions on the **Setup** tab, or launch it to start gathering entries.
---
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