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

# Create your first project

> Step-by-step guide to creating a change project

Projects are the foundation of change management in Leap Change. Each project represents a distinct change initiative and contains all related stakeholders, impacts, surveys, and communications.

## Project creation wizard

Leap Change guides you through project creation with a step-by-step wizard.

### Step 1: Welcome

The wizard begins with an overview of what you'll configure. Click **Get Started** to proceed.

### Step 2: Describe the change

Provide essential information about your change initiative:

* **Project name** - A clear, descriptive title
* **Description** - Detailed explanation of what's changing and why
* **Change owner** - Person responsible for the change
* **Sponsor** - Executive sponsor supporting the initiative

### Step 3: Classify

Categorize your project:

| Field                | Description                                       |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| **Change type**      | Technology, Process, Organizational, Policy, etc. |
| **Priority**         | Critical, High, Medium, Low                       |
| **Departments**      | Which business areas are affected                 |
| **Geographic scope** | Local, Regional, Global                           |

### Step 4: Set timeline

Define key dates:

* **Start date** - When change activities begin
* **Target go-live** - Expected implementation date
* **Milestones** - Key checkpoints along the way

### Step 5: Transition planning

Outline your change approach:

* **Communication strategy** - How you'll keep stakeholders informed
* **Training approach** - How you'll prepare people for the change
* **Support plan** - How you'll help during transition

### Step 6: Launch

Review your project setup and click **Create Project** to launch.

## Organizing projects with programs

For large-scale transformations with multiple related projects, use **Programs** to group them together.

1. Go to **Programs** in the sidebar
2. Click **New Program**
3. Name and describe the program
4. Add existing projects to the program

Programs provide portfolio-level visibility across related change initiatives.

## Project settings

After creation, you can adjust project settings:

* **Edit details** - Update name, description, timeline
* **Manage members** - Add team members with specific roles
* **Archive** - Archive completed projects (data is preserved)

## Best practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Use clear naming conventions">
    Include the year and change type in project names (e.g., "2026 ERP Migration - Finance Module") for easy identification.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Set realistic timelines">
    Factor in assessment, planning, and sustainment phases—not just implementation.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Assign ownership early">
    Define the change owner and sponsor before starting stakeholder engagement.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Link related projects">
    Use programs to connect related initiatives and identify overlapping impacts.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>