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What is TaskWizard?

TaskWizard is a web-based tool that guides researchers through creating custom AutoCleanEEG task files without writing code. Instead of manually configuring Python scripts, the wizard provides an intuitive interface to set up complete EEG preprocessing pipelines.

Visit TaskWizard

Create your custom task file in minutes at taskwizard.autocleaneeg.org

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Key Features

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Step-by-Step Wizard Interface

  • 9-step guided process from template selection to final configuration
  • Real-time validation ensuring parameter compatibility
  • Template-based approach with predefined workflows for common paradigms

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Supported EEG Paradigms

  • Resting State (Eyes Open/Closed) - Standard resting EEG protocols
  • Chirp Stimulation - Frequency-modulated auditory stimuli
  • ASSR (Auditory Steady-State Response) - 40Hz and multi-frequency protocols

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Comprehensive Pipeline Configuration

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How It Works

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1. Template Selection

Choose from research-validated templates:
  • Resting Eyes Open: Standard 5-minute resting paradigm with artifact removal
  • Chirp Default: Frequency-swept auditory stimulation with epoching
  • ASSR Default: 40Hz steady-state response with specialized filtering

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2. Configuration Steps

Navigate through 9 intuitive steps:
  1. Task Information - Name and description
  2. Template Selection - Choose your paradigm
  3. Basic Settings - Core processing parameters
  4. Montage - Electrode configuration and layout
  5. Resample & Re-reference - Signal conditioning
  6. Trim & Crop - Data windowing
  7. EOG & ICA - Artifact removal configuration
  8. Epoching - Time-domain segmentation
  9. Final Configuration - Review and advanced settings

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3. Download & Import

1

Generate Task File

TaskWizard creates a complete Python task file with your configurations
2

Download to Your System

Save the generated task_script.py file to your local machine
3

Import into AutoCleanEEG

Use the pipeline’s import command to add your custom task:
autocleaneeg-pipeline import task_script.py
4

Run Your Custom Pipeline

Your task is now available in the pipeline’s task list:
autocleaneeg-pipeline task list
autocleaneeg-pipeline task set YourCustomTask

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Advanced Features

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Parameter Validation

  • Real-time checking for parameter compatibility
  • Range validation ensuring physiologically reasonable values
  • Dependency tracking between interconnected settings

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Export Options

  • Python Script Generation: Complete task files ready for execution
  • Configuration Backup: JSON files for future editing
  • Documentation: Automatically generated parameter summaries

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Template Customization

While templates provide starting points, every parameter can be customized:
  • Modify filtering parameters for specific research needs
  • Adjust epoching windows for different experimental designs
  • Configure artifact rejection thresholds based on data quality
  • Set custom channel selections for targeted analyses

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Best Practices

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Starting Your First Task

Begin with a template closest to your paradigm, even if not perfect. It’s easier to modify existing configurations than start from scratch.
  1. Choose the closest template to your experimental design
  2. Configure basic parameters (sampling rate, montage, filtering)
  3. Test with sample data before processing full datasets
  4. Iterate and refine based on initial results

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Parameter Selection Guidelines

  • Sampling Rate: Match or downsample from your recording rate
  • Filtering: 0.1-100 Hz bandpass for most EEG applications
  • Epoching: 2-second windows for resting state, event-locked for tasks
  • ICA Components: Remove ~15-25% of total components typically

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Quality Control Integration

TaskWizard-generated tasks include comprehensive QC features:
  • Automated reporting with before/after visualizations
  • Parameter logging for reproducibility
  • BIDS compliance for data sharing and archiving
  • Flag-based routing for problematic datasets

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Troubleshooting

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Common Issues

Import Failures: Ensure the downloaded file has a .py extension and contains valid Python syntax Parameter Conflicts: Check the wizard’s validation messages for incompatible settings Template Selection: If unsure, start with “Resting Eyes Open” as it provides the most flexible foundation

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Getting Help

  • Validation Messages: Pay attention to real-time feedback in the wizard
  • Parameter Tooltips: Hover over settings for detailed explanations
  • Template Documentation: Each template includes usage notes and recommendations

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Integration with AutoCleanEEG Pipeline

TaskWizard-generated files seamlessly integrate with your existing workflow: 
# Import your custom task
autocleaneeg-pipeline import my_custom_task.py

# Verify it's available
autocleaneeg-pipeline task list

# Set as active task
autocleaneeg-pipeline task set MyCustomTask

# Process data
autocleaneeg-pipeline process
The generated tasks include all the same features as built-in tasks:
  • Quality control reporting
  • BIDS-compliant outputs
  • Processing logs and metadata
  • Automatic backup systems
TaskWizard generates production-ready task files that follow AutoCleanEEG best practices for reproducible research and quality control.