Create a custom protocol
Build your own set of attributes from the System catalog.
Goal
Create a custom protocol by selecting a subset of the catalog of 79 attributes. A custom protocol makes sense when the product you're tasting has a profile that no System protocol covers precisely (for example, a bonbon with unusual spices).
Pro plan and above. Creating protocols is part of the Sensory analysis module.
Steps
Open Protocols
Protocols is not in the sidebar. In the sidebar, under SENSORY ANALYSIS, click More in sensory to open the module hub; inside the hub, under Module areas, open the Protocols card.
Start a new protocol
You have two paths:
- Click + New protocol from scratch to open the empty editor.
- Or click Duplicate as Custom on a System protocol that's close to what you want, to start from an editable copy. The copy inherits the original's attributes and its name comes prefixed with Copy of (for example, Copy of Master Chocolatier); change it to your own.
Fill in the general details
In the editor header:
- Name of the protocol (for example, Madagascar 70% 2026 line tasting). It's required and must be between 3 and 120 characters.
- Product type: pick one from the list. It covers the module's full range, from cocoa mass and cocoa liquor and the three chocolates (dark, milk, white) to fillings and finishes: ganaches, crunchy pralines, liquid praline, gianduja, caramels (soft, hard, salted), fondant, fruit pâte and cream, marshmallow, chocolate mousse, pastry cream, buttercream, marzipan, egg yolk/almond paste, rolled truffle, and compounds such as compound bonbon, bar with inclusions, and dragée.
- The Active (visible when creating new tastings) checkbox: leave it checked so the protocol shows up when creating tastings.
- Rating scale: pick the scale your panel will use (0-10, Hedonic 1-9, or Linear 0-100). If you leave it untouched it stays at 0-10. See Protocol rating scale.
There's no description field.
Add attributes from the catalog
The editor has two columns: Protocol attributes and Attribute catalog. Search the catalog (by name, key, or family) and click the + button on each attribute to add it to the protocol. Within the protocol you can reorder with the up/down arrows and remove the ones you don't want.
Save
The editor footer shows whether the protocol is Ready to save or displays N error(s) to fix before saving. The editor validates before letting you save: the name is required (between 3 and 120 characters), you must pick a product type, and you must add at least one attribute. When it's ready, click Save. The protocol becomes available in the Custom section and, if you left it Active, appears when creating new tastings.
Edit or delete one you already have
To tweak a custom protocol, open it from the Custom section of the list: it loads in the editor in edit mode, and you can change the name, product type, Active status, and the attribute list just as when you created it. To delete it, click Delete inside the editor and confirm; it's an action that can't be undone.
Tips
- Less is more. A protocol with 30 attributes wears the panelist out. Start with 8 to 12 relevant attributes.
- Balance categories. If your protocol only has aroma attributes, you'll miss textures and defects. Include at least one Mouthfeel attribute and a Defect one.