The SCP Foundation, a fictional organization from the popular web series of the same name, uses a specific document format known as the SCP Dossier Template to catalog and describe anomalous objects, entities, and phenomena. Understanding this template is crucial for anyone delving into the vast and intricate world of the SCP universe. Let's explore the SCP Dossier Template in detail, breaking down its components and providing examples to help you grasp its structure and purpose.

Before we dive into the template, it's essential to understand that the SCP universe is a collaborative writing project that began on a website called 4chan. The SCP Foundation is an organization within this universe that aims to contain, study, and protect humanity from various anomalous threats. The SCP Dossier Template is a standardized way of presenting information about these anomalies.

Understanding the SCP Dossier Template
The SCP Dossier Template follows a specific format, ensuring consistency and ease of understanding across all SCP documents. It consists of several sections, each serving a unique purpose in describing an anomaly. Let's explore the main sections of the template.

To provide a clear understanding, we'll use SCP-173, a popular and relatively simple anomaly, as an example throughout this article. SCP-173, often referred to as "The Sculpture," is a humanoid sculpture that can move when not observed directly and has caused severe injury and death to those it has attacked.
Item #

The first section of the SCP Dossier Template is the Item # field. This is a unique identifier assigned to each anomaly by the SCP Foundation. For instance, SCP-173 is the 173rd anomaly to be discovered and cataloged by the Foundation. This number is used to reference the anomaly throughout the document and the SCP universe.
Example: Item #: SCP-173
Object Class

The Object Class field categorizes an anomaly based on its potential danger to personnel and the world at large. There are five primary object classes in the SCP universe: Safe, Euclid, Keter, Thaumiel, and Neutralized. Each class represents a different level of threat, with Keter being the most dangerous and Safe being the least.
Example: Object Class: Euclid
Description

The Description section provides a detailed account of the anomaly's appearance, behavior, and effects. This is where the author can showcase their creativity and provide essential information about the anomaly.
Example: Description: SCP-173 appears to be a humanoid sculpture, constructed from concrete and rebar, standing at approximately 2 meters in height. It has no visible facial or fingerprints, and its body is completely smooth and featureless. When not observed directly, SCP-173 will move in a swift and erratic manner, often approaching and attacking nearby subjects.



















Addendum
The Addendum section is where additional information, test results, and other relevant data are presented. This section can be expanded with new entries as more information about the anomaly is discovered. Each entry is labeled with a capital letter (e.g., Addendum A, Addendum B, etc.) for easy reference.
Example: Addendum A-1: Testing has shown that SCP-173's movement is not limited to any specific direction or distance. It has been observed to move up to 10 meters in a single instance, often changing direction rapidly and without warning.
Containment Procedures
The Containment Procedures section outlines the methods used by the SCP Foundation to contain, control, or neutralize the anomaly. This section is crucial for understanding how the Foundation interacts with and protects humanity from the described threat.
Example: Containment Procedures: SCP-173 is to be contained in a standard containment locker at Site-19. Personnel are to maintain direct eye contact with SCP-173 at all times when entering or exiting the locker. Under no circumstances should SCP-173 be left unattended.
Mastering the SCP Dossier Template is an essential step in understanding and contributing to the rich and complex world of the SCP universe. By familiarizing yourself with its structure and purpose, you'll be better equipped to create, interpret, and appreciate the countless anomalies that populate this fascinating fictional universe.
Now that you've gained a solid understanding of the SCP Dossier Template, why not explore the vast collection of anomalies already cataloged by the SCP Foundation? Who knows? You might just find your next favorite terrifying, fascinating, or downright bizarre entity. Happy exploring!