SnapGene 8.0 brings a new look and feel to the main data viewer, new features for batch annotation and data usage, and new ways to edit alignments to reference sequences.

Feature highlights

1. Batch annotation of plasmid features and primers

Quickly detect common features and add primer lists to multiple sequences selected in the project folder panel, change sequence properties such as methylation and topology, and easily align and gel simulate selected sequences.

2. Modern, simplified map, sequence, feature, and primer views

Updated map, sequence, feature, and primer views have been restructured and simplified to highlight key data and features, and flexible filtering and sorting capabilities have been added to the feature and primer tables.

3. Edit alignments to reference DNA sequences

When using the “Align to Reference DNA Sequence” feature, you can now confidently verify your sequence by editing the gap positions in Sanger sequencing traces and virtual builds.

4. Enhanced file and folder interaction

Data management has been simplified with improved file selection in the folder panel and new visualization and usage of unsaved files.

Detailed changes

1. Enhanced annotation and conversion capabilities for multiple files in a project

– Import features or detect common features in multiple DNA files.

– Import primers to multiple sequences from a list or SnapGene, VNTI, or Clone Manager files.

– Circularize, linearize, or flip multiple nucleotide files.

– Change file properties for multiple sequences, including methylation, topology, and strand directionality.

– Select enzymes to display for multiple DNA files.

– Edit DNA or RNA ends for multiple sequences.

– Generate DNA, RNA, or protein for multiple sequences.

– Clean up history in multiple files.

2. Enhanced file management capabilities in a project

– Added the ability to select folders and display prompts for partial folder selections.

– Quickly clear the entire selection or deselect files by type.

– Deselect files of other types by holding down the Option/Alt key and clicking the X to the right of the file count for a given file type.

– File/folder selection is cleared when closing the last tab in the project window.

– Added help links.

– Improved visualization and use of unsaved changes. A yellow dot is displayed next to files in the folder panel and tabs, and a warning is displayed at the top of the project folder tree. Added options to “Save All”, “Discard All”, or “Select Unsaved Files” in the project.

3. Modernized Plot and Sequence Views

– Moved tabs to the top and selection bar to the bottom.

– Moved the minimap for sequence views to the bottom of the view.

– Moved the selected enzyme set indicator to the selection bar.

– Replaced the zoom button in the lower left corner (still accessible via the view menu) with a find button for toggling search controls, and added support for searching when viewing ssRNA or ssDNA structures.

– Replaced the “Describe Panel” checkbox at the bottom with an “Info” button at the top.

– Replaced the “Language” button in the top left corner with a “Settings” button.

– Simplified the side toolbar by moving less frequently used commands to the side menu and/or new display button in the top right corner. Consistent and predictable icons are now displayed regardless of the view option settings.

– Updated the look and feel of the controls in the top right corner of the history view, as well as the message displayed when there is no history.

– Added a green check mark icon in the top right corner to indicate whether a sequence is “experimentally confirmed”.

– Updated, added, and modernized many tooltips, which now display without delay.

– Modernized and dismissible alerts moved from the top to the bottom right corner. Alerts for content that cannot be displayed (such as enzymes, features, or primers) now include a link to a comprehensive list and information on how the user can view more of the desired content.

4. Modernized Feature and Primer Views

– Modernized look and feel, allowing for expansion and collapse of individual features and primers.

– Moved the find field to the top for filtering the table, with find matches highlighted in the table.

– Added ability to sort columns in opposite direction.

– Added ability to quickly change annotation colors using color picker.

– Added checkboxes to indicate and modify selections.

– Added tooltips for alternative start codons.

– Added support for moving bases across gaps when viewing alignments to reference sequences. Move bases across gaps either single-time via arrow keys or fully (hold down Alt or Option key).

5. Updated restriction enzyme database

– Added HpySP4III from EURx.

– Added PsiI – v2, TaqI – v2, AleI – v2, BsrFI – v2, and WarmStart® Nt.BstNBI from New England Biolabs.

– Added Fast Enzyme from NYZTech.

– Added RspRSII from Takara Biotech.

– Added Fast Digest Enzyme from Vivantis.

– Added CviJI⭑ from EURx and CHIMERx.

– Added EclHKI from Promega.

– Added BmyI and SauI from Roche.

– Added KroNI and SspMI from SibEnzyme.

– Corrected the name of Nb.Mva1269I.

– Added Enzynomics, USBiological Life Sciences, and Yeasen vendor information.

– Updated with new buffer and enzyme activities, recommended buffers, and buffer colors.

– Marked discontinued enzymes.

– Updated vendor website links.

– Improved the enzyme database dialog, improved default size, discontinued enzymes are now in gray italics, moved enhanced enzymes to the top, removed the enzyme list at the top of the vendor view.

– Supported creating “Create new file from selection” from the consensus sequence of the selected alignment.

– Added “Open Recent Project” and “Create Project” actions to the drop-down menu of the project.

– Added the fluorescent protein CDS mEos3.1 to the common features database.