> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.bowerlabs.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Protocols

> Create and manage step-by-step lab procedures as a distinct resource type.

Protocols are a dedicated artifact type in Bower for documenting step-by-step lab procedures. They use the same rich text editor as notes, but are stored and displayed separately — giving you a clean library of your standard operating procedures.

## What a protocol is

A protocol is a detailed, operational guide that your lab uses to perform a method. Think: "How we run PCR in this lab" rather than the high-level published method itself.

Protocols sit in their own library alongside your notes. They can be tagged, linked to notes, and searched like any other artifact.

## Creating a protocol

1. Go to the **Protocol Library** page.
2. Click **Create** or use the import button to upload an existing document.
3. Write your protocol using the [rich text editor](/capture/editor) — headings, numbered steps, tables, and images all work.
4. Give it a clear title.

## The protocol library

The protocol library is a dedicated page listing all protocols in your workspace. It shows:

* Title
* Tags
* Parent collection
* Created by
* Created date

You can search, filter, and perform bulk operations (select multiple protocols and delete).

## Importing protocols

Drag existing protocol documents (PDFs, Word docs) into the protocol library. Bower extracts the content and creates an editable protocol. The original file is preserved as an attachment.

## Linking protocols to notes

Protocols become more useful when linked to the notes they relate to. Use the [link entity](/organisation/linked-entities) feature to connect a protocol to relevant notes, samples, or collections. This makes it easy to trace which protocol was followed for a given set of observations.