--- title: Using Blinded Study Variables description: Ripple enables Blinded Variables, allowing you to restrict access to specific custom variable data. When a variable is blinded, only Study Admins can view its values, ensuring confidentiality and cont --- [Skip to content](https://support.enrollnow.io/en/knowledge-base/create-blinded-study-variables#main-content) [EnrollNow Support Center](https://support.enrollnow.io/helpdesk?hsLang=en) ![Logo + Tagline](https://support.enrollnow.io/hs-fs/hubfs/EnrollNow/Brand%20Assets/Logo%20+%20Tagline.png?width=300&height=75&name=Logo%20+%20Tagline.png) - [Support Center](https://support.enrollnow.io/helpdesk) - [User Community](https://academy.enrollnow.io/) - [Learning Academy](https://academy.enrollnow.io/) - [Knowledge Base](https://support.enrollnow.io/en/knowledge-base) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Support Center](https://support.enrollnow.io/helpdesk) - [User Community](https://academy.enrollnow.io/) - [Learning Academy](https://academy.enrollnow.io/) - [Knowledge Base](https://support.enrollnow.io/en/knowledge-base) - [EnrollNow Support Center](https://support.enrollnow.io/helpdesk) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [EnrollNow Knowledge Base](https://support.enrollnow.io/en/knowledge-base?hsLang=en) 2. [Study Settings](https://support.enrollnow.io/en/knowledge-base/study-settings?hsLang=en) 3. [Requirements](https://support.enrollnow.io/en/knowledge-base/study-settings?hsLang=en#requirements) June 18, 2026 # Using Blinded Study Variables Blinded variables in EnrollNow are designed to support studies that require **controlled access to sensitive data**, ensuring that only authorized users can view specific information. This functionality is especially important in clinical research environments where maintaining the integrity of a study depends on preventing bias. By designating a variable as blinded, you can **restrict visibility based on user roles**, helping your team comply with study protocols and regulatory requirements while protecting critical data. ### What Are Blinded Variables? Blinded variables are **custom variables (Global or Study-level)** with restricted visibility settings. When a variable is marked as blinded: - **Only Study Admins can view the actual value** - Other users (e.g., Study Leaders and Research Assistants) will see an **anonymous string instead** - The variable can still be used in data collection, reporting, and workflows, depending on permissions This ensures that key study data—such as treatment assignments or outcomes—does not unintentionally influence study staff or participants. ### Purpose of Blinded Variables Blinded variables help to: - Limit visibility of sensitive data to authorized users only - Enhance privacy and regulatory compliance - Maintain objective study execution by reducing potential bias ![](https://support.enrollnow.io/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/support.ripplescience.comhcarticle_attachments360074772432.png) ### **Blinded Variable Permissions Summary** Blinded variables in EnrollNow restrict access to certain custom variable data. When a variable is blinded, only **Study Admins** can view its actual value, while other users see an anonymous string instead. #### **Users Who Can View Values** - Study Admins #### **Users Who See Anonymous Values** - Study Leaders - Research Assistants (RAs) ![](https://support.enrollnow.io/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/support.ripplescience.comhcarticle_attachments360074772452.png) ### How to Blind a Variable in EnrollNow Follow the steps below to enable blinding on a custom variable: #### **1. Navigate to Study Settings** - Open your study - Select the **Study Settings** tab - Click into the **Requirements** section #### **2. Locate the Custom Variables Section** - Scroll to the **Custom Variables** section #### **3. Create or Select a Variable** - Create a new custom variable **or** - Select an existing Global variable #### **4. Enable Blinding** - Locate the **“Blind” checkbox** next to the variable - Check the box to restrict access #### **5. Save Changes** - Changes will **autosave automatically** Once enabled, only Study Admins will see the true value. 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