> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.metaforms.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.metaforms.ai/survey-programming-decipher/legacy-flow/starting-a-project/ad-hoc-study/using-an-existing-decipher-project.md).

# Using an existing Decipher Project

If you already have a survey set up in Decipher, Metaforms allows you to bring that in and build upon it.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: You must have your **Decipher API Key** configured in Metaforms before using this option.\
See: Setting up your Decipher API Key
{% endhint %}

## Step 1: Create

* Click on Create New Project at the top right of your screen. Choose "New Forsta Decipher Project".

<figure><img src="/files/TBW5chqamxrOKiMrKsqx" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Choose **Create Ad-hoc Study**, then click **Continue**.

<figure><img src="/files/48WvQCuj9BREgy6ZNi57" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Step 2: Set Up

* Under the **Decipher Survey** dropdown, choose the project you'd like to use.
* If the survey isn't listed:
  * Click **"Can't find your survey?"**
  * Manually enter the **survey path**, and click **Verify**.

{% hint style="info" %}
💡 **Note:** If you're unable to find your survey in the dropdown, it’s likely because it’s still in **Dev state**. Decipher’s API does **not return Dev-state surveys** in the project list this is a known limitation.\
To work around this, click **"Can’t find your survey?"** and manually enter the **full survey path**, then click **Verify** to proceed.
{% endhint %}

* Select a **template** from the dropdown.
* Click **Continue**.

## Step 3: Upload Files

* Upload the **questionnaire** and any additional files as needed.
* Click **Continue**.

## Step 4: AI Skill Selection

* Choose the **AI Specialization Level**:
  * **Basic Survey**
  * **Advanced Survey**

Click **Start Programming** to begin customizing your imported survey.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://help.metaforms.ai/survey-programming-decipher/legacy-flow/starting-a-project/ad-hoc-study/using-an-existing-decipher-project.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.