# Getting Started

If this is your first time using XNAT, here is a short outline of things you'll need to do!

## 1. Create an account using your Brown Credentials

{% content-ref url="/pages/-M-V4xq8oL\_lJdFUhSdM" %}
[Accessing XNAT](/bnc-user-manual/xnat/accessing-xnat.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## 2. Work with the MRF on your scan protocol and choosing a project name

{% hint style="success" %}
We will match the naming of your scan protocol and your XNAT project so that your data automatically ends up in the right place after your scan
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
If you will be using our XNAT to BIDS conversion tools, your sequences on the scanner should be named in a ["BIDS Ready" format](/bnc-user-manual/xnat/bids-compliant-protocols.md). The BNC is happy to work with you to figure out the appropriate naming for your sequences.
{% endhint %}

## 3. Contact us to request a new XNAT project

{% content-ref url="/pages/OIvGovaDExawpmK2MDMi" %}
[New XNAT projects](/bnc-user-manual/xnat/project-creation-in-xnat.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## 4. Collect your data and send to XNAT

At the scanner, once your scan is complete, export your data to XNAT.

{% content-ref url="/pages/-M7DbDHIVD4HeAEbpQLr" %}
[Uploading Data](/bnc-user-manual/xnat/uploading-data.md)
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{% hint style="warning" %}
If you are collecting multi-session data, follow these [instructions to add a session label to your subject ID](/bnc-user-manual/xnat/uploading-data.md#naming-for-multi-session-studies). This will allow XNAT to organize your data properly and avoid conflicts.
{% endhint %}

## 5. Check that ALL your data has been received and it is complete

Try your best to check the integrity of your data within a day. While it may take an hour or so for your data to appear on XNAT, it should not take longer than half a day. If you have not received your data, or anything looks strange, [contact us](/bnc-user-manual/readme.md#contact-us)!


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