Uploading data

Use this guide for assay measurements in CSV or Excel. For individual flow events, follow the flow import guide. For exported population frequencies or intensities, use Flow summary.

Supported files and limits

Input	Requirements	Check before upload
Delimited text (.csv, .tsv, .txt)	A text table with identifiable headers and numeric measurements.	Check the delimiter, encoding, decimal representation, and row alignment.
Excel (.xlsx, .xls)	A valid workbook with the intended data sheet.	Identify the sheet by name; inspect cached formula values and merged cells.
File size	Up to 50 MB per file.	Remove unrelated sheets from a working copy if needed, preserving the original.

The assay uploader validates extensions and file contents. Tab-separated TXT and TSV tables can be uploaded directly; their original bytes and annotations are retained. Renaming an extension does not convert a file. ZIP archives and FCS files belong to the flow import workflow where supported.

Prepare a working copy

Preserve the original instrument export.
Identify the sheet, header row, measurement columns, units, and sample identifiers.
Separate measurements from decorative summary tables, merged headings, or notes that could be interpreted as data.
Keep blanks, controls, standards, and unknowns identifiable in the table or plate layout.
Record any exclusions, normalization, or unit conversion already applied.

See Prepare an analysis-ready dataset for replicate identifiers, missing values, and a complete request example.

Tabular layouts

Long format

Use one row per measurement. Repeat the concentration for replicate measurements and retain sample and condition identifiers. This makes the data mapping explicit.

Sample_ID,Concentration_uM,Response,Replicate
S01,1,45.2,1
S01,1,47.1,2
S02,10,12.3,1
S02,10,11.9,2

Wide format

Replicate measurements can occupy separate columns. Tell the agent that Rep1 and Rep2 are repeated measurements and identify any grouping or pairing separately.

Concentration_uM,Rep1,Rep2
1,45.2,47.1
10,12.3,11.9

These short examples demonstrate layout, not a complete dataset for fitting a model. Choose the experimental design and concentration range required by your assay.

Plate-reader exports

Keep the well grid intact when using the plate workflow. Review the detected dimensions and orientation before assigning well roles in the plate painter. A visually recognizable plate does not establish which wells are standards or controls.

Confirm row and column labels against the instrument export.
Assign standards and their concentrations, unknown sample IDs, blanks, and controls.
Check replicate assignments and dilution factors.
Inspect at least one well from each role against the original export before starting.

Numeric values and units

Put units in headers or the analysis request and keep measurement cells numeric. Use a consistent decimal convention. If the source uses decimal commas, export a properly delimited CSV or workbook instead of globally replacing commas, which can also change the column structure.

State whether concentrations are raw or already log-transformed. Preserve labels for missing, not-detected, or out-of-range observations and explain them in the request. Verify their treatment in the analysis rather than assuming every nonnumeric value has the same meaning.

Excel-specific checks

Multiple sheets: name the intended sheet explicitly, such as “Use the Results sheet.” Verify the selected dataset before analysis.
Merged cells: unmerge and fill repeated labels in a working copy when each row needs a group identifier.
Formulas: calculate and save the workbook in your spreadsheet application. If necessary, create a values-only copy and verify it against the source.
Instrument metadata: identify the header row or move unrelated metadata out of the data region in your working copy.

Verify a successful upload

A successful transfer means the file reached the application. It does not verify that the analysis has selected the correct sheet, columns, or experimental design. Inspect the dataset label, preview, sample count, units, and plate mapping before submitting the analysis request.

Recover from an upload problem

If rejected, confirm the format and size, then try the affected file alone. If parsing selects the wrong data, specify the sheet and columns rather than resubmitting unchanged. Keep the exact error and run ID if the problem persists. See Troubleshooting for recovery steps and a support-report checklist.