> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://fdilab.gitbook.io/open-data-commons/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://fdilab.gitbook.io/open-data-commons/readme/readme/elements-of-an-odc-dataset.md).

# The ODC Dataset

The ODCs support uploading spreadsheet data in .csv (comma-separated values) file format. You can save your data to .csv format using most common spreadsheet software, such as Excel.

{% hint style="info" %}
To learn more about .csv files, [check this out](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGOD2Fqy5k8)
{% endhint %}

A ***complete*** ODC Dataset is comprised of three components:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## [The Subject Data File](#the-subject-data-file)

This is a .csv file that contains all of the experimental data for your subjects. Every subject in the data file must have a unique subject ID; data must be arranged in Tidy Format (wide, long, or semi-long are all accepted) and contain the required variables for their submission community (i.e., Community Data Elements (CoDEs) for SCI or select Common Data Elements (CDEs) for TBI)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## [The Data Dictionary File](#the-data-dictionary-file)

**Dataset-level metadata**

This is a .csv file that functions as a codebook to explain the granular details of your experimental variables and their parameters (i.e., what data was collected, how is it reported, and how/if it was manipulated)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## [Narrative Metadata](#narrative-metadata)

**Project-level metadata**

This is a descriptive, narrative summary of your dataset that gets entered directly into the ODC Metadata Editor with your author and funding information - these details are essential to making your dataset findable AND providing context to secondary users
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Datasets may also contain a Methodology file and/or Supplementary file(s), however these are considered optional to upload.

{% hint style="info" %}
Datasets uploaded to your Personal or Lab Space(s) do not require CoDEs, a data dictionary, or a comprehensive narrative metadata submission at the time of upload, however they are ***HIGHLY RECOMMENDED*** and are required for any dataset entering the editorial review and publication (DOI request) process
{% endhint %}


---

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