---
title: Common Works Registration (CWR) Help Guide
description: "#### **What is CWR?** Common Works Registration (CWR) is a standardized format for registering and revising musical works. For detailed information, consult the [CWR user manual](https://cisac.org) provided by CISAC. --- #### **Contacting CMRRA About CWR Submissions** If you have questions…"
url: "https://cmrra.ca/help-centre/common-works-registration-cwr-help-guide/"
updated: "2025-05-30"
category: CMRRA Song Registration
---

# Common Works Registration (CWR) Help Guide

#### **What is CWR?**

Common Works Registration (CWR) is a standardized format for registering and revising musical works. For detailed information, consult the [CWR user manual](https://cisac.org) provided by CISAC.

---

#### **Contacting CMRRA About CWR Submissions**

If you have questions about your CWR submissions, please contact us here. Select "Common Works Registration (CWR)" from the subject dropdown menu.

---

#### **Does CMRRA Provide CWR Software?**

No, CMRRA does not offer CWR software. However, third-party music publishing software that generates CWR-compliant registration files is available commercially.

---

#### **Who Should Use CWR?**

CWR is most beneficial for mid to large-sized publishers who need to register thousands of works with CMRRA regularly.

---

#### **How to Send and Receive CWR Files**

- **Sending Files:** After contacting us, we will provide FTP credentials. Upload CWR files to the “\incoming” folder on the FTP server.
- **Receiving Files:** CMRRA will place processed files in the “\outgoing” folder.
   For further details, refer to the “Getting Started” document.

---

#### **Understanding Error Messages in ACK Files**

If you encounter error messages in your first ACK file, consult the [CISAC Technical Specifications](https://cisac.org) for guidance.

---

#### **Acknowledgment Issues**

If you haven’t received an acknowledgment for a submitted file, potential issues include:

- File placed in the wrong folder.
- File sent in a compressed format (e.g., ZIP).
- Incorrect naming conventions (e.g., missing CMRRA code "088").
- Duplicate file names.
- Invalid file format.

---

#### **Can I Submit Zipped Files?**

No, compressed files (e.g., ZIP) are not currently accepted.

---

#### **Processing Times**

- **First Acknowledgment (ACK):** CWR files are typically processed within 24-48 hours.
- **Second Acknowledgment (ACK):** These files include works incorporated into our licensing system due to licensing requests or royalty data. Processing depends on activity levels and can include registrations from multiple files.

---

#### **CMRRA Work Numbers**

All works included in a second acknowledgment (ACK) file will receive a unique CMRRA work number.

---

#### **Third-Party Software Support**

If you use third-party software to produce CWR-compliant files and encounter issues, contact your software provider for assistance.

---

#### **Submitting Global CWR Files**

Yes, CMRRA accepts global CWR files as long as they include records for territories such as Canada, North America, the American Continent, the Commonwealth, or the World.

---

#### **Test File Confirmation**

CMRRA will confirm when your test phase has been successfully completed and your files are ready to go live.

---

#### **Missing Titles in CMRRA’s Repository**

Titles registered via CWR may not appear immediately in CMRRA’s repository. Validation occurs based on licensing and royalty distribution activity. Works included in a second acknowledgment (ACK) transaction will be visible in **CMRRA Direct** and considered payable.

---

#### **Alternative Registration Options**

If you’re not ready for CWR, consider these options:

- **CMRRA Direct:** Register single-song priority titles online.
- **Excel Template:** Use the CMRRA Song Registration template for multiple titles.
- **File for Mass Registration:** Contact us for assistance with creating a file for bulk registrations. Select "CWR" in the subject dropdown menu of the contact form.