Drop chromatogram file
.scf, .abi, .ab1, .ab
Analyzing your data...
Extracted Sequence
Reference Sequence
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Our AB1 & ABI Chromatogram Viewer is a specialized platform designed for the comprehensive observation and analysis of Sanger sequencing data. It allows researchers to open and inspect .ab1 and .abi files in any modern browser. This online tool removes the need for complex software installations or specific operating systems.
In Sanger sequencing, nucleotide fluorescence is recorded as distinct, color-coded peaks. These chromatograms are essential for evaluating sequencing quality, identifying errors, detecting mutations, and validating genetic results. Our tool offers precise visualization of chromatograms, base calls, and peak positions, enabling rigorous analysis and confident, data-driven decisions.
Key Features
- Dynamic Chromatogram Rendering: View raw fluorescence signals (A, C, G, T) with intelligent, auto-adjusting scaling for maximum clarity.
- Precision Quality Mapping: Identify low-confidence base calls instantly with integrated Quality Value (QV) bars that highlight potential sequencing artifacts.
- Granular Trace Interaction: Zoom deep into the “noise” to resolve secondary peaks, heterozygous mutations, or frame-shift indicators.
- Intelligent Navigation: Jump to specific coordinates or use smooth-scroll to audit your entire sequence in seconds.
How to Use the Tool: From Data to Insight
- Upload Your Data: Drag and drop your .ab1 or .abi file directly into the landing zone. Alternatively, use the file browser to select your trace. If you’re new, try the “Load Example” button to see a sample analysis in action.
- Launch Analysis: Once your file is selected, our engine begins parsing immediately. Within milliseconds, the binary data is converted into a visual chromatogram.
- Explore the Results: Once the analysis is complete, you are presented with a comprehensive result dashboard:
- Trace View: A high-resolution plot of the A, C, G, and T channels.
- Zoom & Navigation: Use zoom tools to inspect peak shapes or jump to any base position.
- Quality Scores: Review the color-coded quality bars to assess the reliability of each base call.
- Export & Report: After verification, you can use the Export tools to download the FASTA sequence or save a snapshot of the trace for your lab documentation and publications.
Troubleshooting & Error Handling
Our engine includes built-in diagnostics to help you identify issues with your sequencing files:
- “Invalid File Format”: The system detected a non-binary or corrupted header. Ensure you are uploading a standard Applied Biosystems binary file, not a text-based FASTA.
- “Parsing Failed”: This occurs when internal “Directory Entries” (like PBAS or PLOC) are missing or non-standard. This usually points to a file that was interrupted during download or generated by a non-standard capillary electrophoresis system.
- “No Trace Data Found”: The file structure is intact, but the signal channels are empty. This often occurs with “blank” runs, in which the sequencing reaction failed to produce detectable fluorescence.
- “Memory Limit Exceeded”: If processing a large batch of high-resolution files, the browser may throttle memory usage. Simply refresh the page to clear the cache.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
References & Credits
Meet the Authors
Mahdi Morshedi Yekta
Founder & Bioinformatics Developer
Mahdi is the founder of ScienceCodons and a Medical Biotechnologist with a deep passion for computational biology. Holding an M.Sc. in Medical Biotechnology, he specializes in transforming complex biological algorithms into accessible, high-performance web tools, bridging the gap between laboratory sciences and software engineering.
Fatemeh Faryadras
Medical Biotechnologist & Researcher
Fatemeh is a Medical Biotechnologist and researcher. With extensive expertise in genetic engineering, molecular cloning, and cancer biology, she combines her rigorous laboratory background with intuitive design principles to create reliable, user-centered scientific calculators and tools.
Dr. Mosayeb Rostamian
Assistant Professor, Infectious Diseases Research Center
Certified Scientific Reviewer
Google ScholarExpert Review Process
To ensure the highest quality and scientific accuracy, this tool's underlying algorithms, formulas, and edge-case handling have been thoroughly reviewed and validated by Dr. Mosayeb Rostamian.
The "Reviewed By" badge signifies that an independent expert has evaluated the tool's logic to guarantee accuracy and alignment with the current consensus in the scientific community.