COBWEB Consort-based WEB tool an online writing aid tool for writing a randomized trial report
Report, edit, share, and export your trial manuscript in line with the CONSORT statement and its subsequent extensions.
COBWEB is an online tool designed to support authors in writing manuscripts for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), following the guidelines set by the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and its extensions.
It provides structured templates that break down CONSORT checklist items into actionable bullet points and contextual examples, making it easier to meet best reporting practices.
Each template is tailored for specific study designs, including individual, cluster, and non-inferiority trials, as well as various intervention types—ranging from pharmacological treatments to non-pharmacologic approaches such as participative interventions and surgical procedures. All templates integrate the main CONSORT recommendations, the Explanation & Elaboration document, guidelines for reporting abstracts, and recommendations concerning harms, ensuring comprehensive coverage in a single, unified workflow.
COBWEB currently offers 13 manuscript templates developed from the CONSORT 2010 Statement, supporting manuscript writing for roughly three-quarters of RCT trial types. These templates are now being updated to reflect the latest recommendations introduced by CONSORT 2025, ensuring authors have access to the most current reporting standards.
Our aim
COBWEB aims to promote optimal use of the CONSORT Statement and its extensions, resulting in greater transparency of articles reporting randomised trials.
Why use COBWEB?
- Designed to help reduce research waste caused by inadequate clinical trial reporting.
- Meets editor expectations, as most journals require adherence to CONSORT guidelines for RCT submissions.
- Adhering to all CONSORT recommendations can be challenging, often involving review of multiple documents spanning dozens of pages. COBWEB streamlines this process by consolidating relevant guidelines for each study type, reducing workload for authors.
Funding information
COBWEB is developed and funded by the Centre de Recherche en Épidémiologie, the French Equator center, with contributions from AP-HP Le Groupe hospitalier Cochin (Paris) and Cancéropôle Île-de-France.
