An Annotated Case Report Form (aCRF) maps the questions and fields on your forms to the underlying variable names, metadata annotations, and clinical data specifications.
In Castor CDMS, you can generate an annotated CRF or study specification in three formats:
1. Print a Blank/Annotated CRF (PDF)
To create a visual, printable PDF of your study forms showing field names, variable labels, help texts, and calculation logic:
- Go to the Participants tab ➔ click Actions ➔ select Print empty CRF.
- (Alternative) Go to the Study Forms tab ➔ click the Print icon in the upper-right corner.
- Select your desired options (e.g., include help texts, calculation templates, or hidden calculations) and choose Save as PDF in the print dialog.
➔ Step-by-step instructions: Helpdesk: Print and save in PDF the study forms in CDMS
2. Export Study Structure with Annotations (XML / CDISC ODM)
If you have configured metadata annotations (such as CDASH annotations, domains, or terminology codes like SNOMED/LOINC), you can export the full structural specification:
- Go to Study Design ➔ Forms ➔ click the Export button.
- Choose whether to export the entire study or specific visits/forms in XML or CDISC ODM format.
➔ Step-by-step instructions: Helpdesk: Export the form structure in CDMS
➔ Learn how to configure annotations: Helpdesk: Metadata Annotations Settings in CDMS and Helpdesk: Field properties: data standardization and advanced tabs in CDMS
3. Export a Data Dictionary (Excel / CSV)
If you need a tabular list of all variables, field types, option groups, and dependencies:
- Go to the Participants tab ➔ click Actions ➔ choose Export all or Export selected.
- Select Excel or CSV format. The variable list is included as a dedicated tab in Excel or as a companion file with CSV exports.
➔ Step-by-step instructions: Helpdesk: Can I export a data dictionary for my study in EDC/CDMS?