A hanging protocol controls how series are laid out when a study opens: which series in which viewport, with what windowing, layout, and default tools. Using protocols shaves seconds off every read and keeps your workflow consistent.
Step 1: Apply a hanging protocol
Click the Hanging Protocols button in the toolbar. The active protocol is shown at the top. Click another protocol to apply it. The viewer rearranges viewports, loads the matching series, and applies default W/L presets.
Step 2: Cycle to the next protocol
Use the Next Hanging Protocol button in the toolbar (or the keyboard shortcut) to jump to the next protocol in the list. This is useful when you need to switch from a default brain MR layout to a dedicated MRA layout mid-read.
Step 3: Save a custom protocol
Arrange your viewports exactly as you want them. Open Settings > Hanging Protocols and click Create from current layout. Give it a name, set the matching conditions (modality, body part, institution), and save. Any future study that matches will hang this way by default.
Step 4: Organise protocols into groups
Group protocols by modality or body part for easier selection. In Settings > Hanging Protocols, create a group, then drag existing protocols into it. The Quick menu respects group structure.
Tips
- Conditional settings matter. A protocol matched on "modality=MR" alone will fire for every MR study, even one with the wrong body part. Add modality + body part at minimum.
- If a protocol does not apply the way you expect, open it in Settings > Hanging Protocols and check the conditions. Empty or overly-broad conditions are the most common cause.
Related articles
- Working with layouts, panels and viewports
- Comparing studies side by side
- Customising user preferences