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File Reading

In this step, you will upload the files you want to analyze in Assay. These files typically contain results linked to your plates, such as output from a robotic platform (e.g., optical density, area measurements, cell counts, etc.).

Info

Data can also be added automatically using APIs. Please request the API documentation if needed.

Add Your Readers

Since files may have different formats, you must add a reader—a tool that imports data into the application from a specific format.

Use the drop-down list on the left of the page to search for and add the appropriate reader for your files.

Add a reader to your run

The list of added readers will then be displayed.

List of added readers

Info

You can add multiple readers for an analysis. If a compatible reader is not available, please contact support.

For each reader, you can:

  • Click the information icon (ℹ️) to view the description and see a sample of the expected file format
  • Click the star icon (⭐) to set the reader as a favorite (favorites appear at the top of the dropdown list)
  • Click the trash icon (🗑️) to remove the reader from your analysis

Danger

Removing a reader from your analysis will also delete any imported files associated with it.

File Import

You must upload files so the application knows which data to analyze. To do this:

  • Click the reader name
  • Upload one or more files at once by:
    • Dragging and dropping your files
    • Clicking the Drag and Drop Files section

Add files to a reader

Once imported, the number of files is displayed below the reader names you selected.

Info

You can upload multiple files at once, but they must have the same format.

By clicking the Raw Data File button, the files will be read by the application.

Other Actions on the Page

Before reading the files, you can:

  • Delete one or more files linked to your readers
  • Download all files (using the button at the top right)
  • Perform the actions on the reader described above

Add a reader file

Interactive Readers

For some file formats, extra steps may be required to read the files correctly. In these cases, you will use "Interactive Readers".

When this is needed, the Raw Data File button is replaced by an Interactive Reader button.

Generic Reader

A common example of an interactive reader is the Generic Reader, which allows you to read any delimited text file (txt, csv, xlsx, etc.).

See the Generic Reader documentation for more details.

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