# Step 8 · Launch

The final step checks the trial is complete and takes it live.

## Readiness checks

Before a trial can launch, the portal validates it section by section and lists
anything outstanding. Common requirements include:

- **Identity**: a name, an ethics/protocol reference, a support email, and a valid
  opening date.
- **Treatments**: at least one active or sham arm; a duration, a sound type, and a
  **completion target** on every active/sham arm; each sham paired with its active.
- **Arms and phases**: every sequence has valid treatment and washout assignments.
- **Session plans**: a plan for every active/sham arm.
- **Audio**: hearing profiles, stimulus types, modulation bands, and the therapeutic
  sounds that cover them.

You cannot launch until every section is complete. The checklist links you back to the
step that needs attention.

## Going live

Launching moves the trial from **Draft** to **Recruiting**. If the opening date is in
the future, the trial is finalised but stays hidden from participants until that date.

Once recruiting, participants can enrol and the trial starts filling up. From here you
work from the **overview** rather than the wizard, see {doc}`../running-a-trial`.

:::{tip}
Recruitment then manages itself against the plan you set in {doc}`3-treatment-phases`:
it pauses at the enrolment limit and ends when the completion target is reached. You can
still adjust targets and the completion rate while the trial runs, see
{doc}`../enrolment`.
:::