Getting Started with SnapGene

This series covers the core SnapGene workflows new users need to get productive quickly: interface navigation, file management, sequence annotation, and using the Actions and Tools menus to plan cloning experiments and verify results.

Course Content

A Brief Tour of the Interface
Using the Project Panel
Use Actions to Plan and Predict

Create, Open and Import a File
Annotating Sequences
Use Tools to Analyze and Verify

A Brief Tour of the Interface

INSIDE THE VIDEO

A walkthrough of the main SnapGene interface areas, including the top menu, side toolbar, and bottom tabs. Switch between plasmid map, sequence, and history views of the same file from a single window.

LENGTH

2 mins 30 secs

Create, Open and Import a File

INSIDE THE VIDEO

This video covers the three ways to get sequences into SnapGene: creating a new file from a raw sequence, opening an existing file, and importing directly from online resources including the SnapGene plasmid database.

LENGTH

1 min 40 secs

Using the Project Panel

INSIDE THE VIDEO

Set any folder on your computer as a SnapGene project and manage your files directly from the sidebar. Use the search field and advanced filters to locate sequences quickly, with changes syncing to source files automatically.

LENGTH

3 Minutes

Annotating Sequences

INSIDE THE VIDEO

An introduction to SnapGene's three annotation types: enzymes, features, and primers. Learn how to manage what is displayed on your plasmid map, and how to save custom features for automatic detection on future sequences.

LENGTH

3 minutes

Use Actions to Plan and Predict

INSIDE THE VIDEO

An overview of SnapGene's Actions menu, the entry point for planning and simulating cloning experiments. Access tools for Gibson Assembly, restriction cloning, Gateway, Golden Gate, In-Fusion, PCR, and other common techniques.

LENGTH

1 minute 30 secs

Use Tools to Analyze and Verify

INSIDE THE VIDEO

An introduction to SnapGene's Tools menu, covering sequence alignment for construct verification, agarose gel simulation, and ORF detection. Use these tools to confirm your cloning results before and after going to the bench.

LENGTH

2 minutes

Common Questions About Getting Started with SnapGene

Does SnapGene work on Mac, Windows, and Linux?

Yes. SnapGene is a cross-platform desktop application available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. All features covered in the Getting Started series work the same way across all three operating systems.

What file formats can I open in SnapGene?

SnapGene reads a wide range of sequence file formats, including GenBank (.gb, .gbk), FASTA, SnapGene .dna, ApE, Vector NTI, DNASTAR Lasergene, Geneious, MacVector, Clone Manager, and several others. When you import a file, SnapGene preserves existing annotations and metadata where possible.

Can I import plasmid sequences from Addgene directly into SnapGene?

Yes. SnapGene's Import function gives direct access to Addgene and the SnapGene plasmid database, which includes over 2,700 annotated plasmid sequences. You can open plasmids directly from either source without downloading and re-importing files manually.

What is the difference between the Map view and Sequence view?

Both views display the same file. The Map view shows your sequence as a circular or linear plasmid diagram with annotated features, restriction sites, and primers displayed graphically. The Sequence view shows the full nucleotide sequence with annotations indicated inline. You can switch between views using tabs at the top and control what's displayed in each view independently using the side toolbar.

How do I start a free trial of SnapGene?

A 30-day free trial is available at snapgene.com/free-trial. The trial gives you full access to all SnapGene features and no credit card is required to start.

Where can I find written documentation for SnapGene?

The SnapGene User Guide covers all features in detail. For a quick written introduction covering the same topics as this video series, see the Introduction to SnapGene guide.