# 3.1 Create a New Project

## Capability summary

The operator selects an existing LIMS project, picks the equipment the
project will be tracked under, chooses a project-scope template, fills
in the resolved variable form, supplies the mandatory core fields
(`label`, `operator`, `objective`), and confirms. On confirmation the
controller validates the inputs, Copier renders the template into
`<local_root>/<equipment>/<lims_short_id>/`, the `.exlab-wizard/`
cache (`creation.json` and `readme_fields.json`) is written at the
project level, and the result is queued for sync to NAS. **No** LIMS
write happens in v1; the LIMS project already exists and the wizard
simply attaches metadata for tracking. See section 02 §3.1 of the
design spec for the authoritative capability contract.

## Walkthrough

1. **Open the wizard.** From the main window's toolbar, click the
   *New project* button (`data-testid="toolbar-new-project"`).
2. **Step through the seven-step stepper.** The wizard surfaces:
   LIMS project selection, equipment selection, template selection,
   resolved-variable form, README field form (capability 3.5), preview,
   and confirm.
3. **Submit.** The Create button on the confirm step writes the
   project tree, the cache, and queues sync. The wizard renders a
   success card; from here the operator may either close the wizard
   or jump back into the browse view.

## Screenshots

The screenshots below are generated by `scripts/generate_screenshots.py`
against the e2e test surface; each capture matches the corresponding
NiceGUI page object under `tests/e2e/page_objects/`.

```{image} ../_static/screenshots/01_create_project/01_initial.png
:alt: New project wizard, initial render
:align: center
```

## Related material

- {doc}`05_readme` -- the README form is a sub-step of this wizard.
- {doc}`06_settings` -- equipment and template directory configuration.
- Design spec section 02 §3.1 (User Interaction) -- authoritative
  capability contract.
- Design spec section 04 (Backend Architecture) -- creation-session
  state machine that backs the wizard.