Phylogenetic trees
Import trees, style branches and labels, and add data tracks. The Tree Builder prepares commands for you to run on your own computer.
Made by academics, for academics.
ResearchOS
Open-source lab notebook, sequence builder, data analysis and phylogenetics platform. And so much more.
Free to use on your computer.
The mobile companion, lab cloud services, and optional AI have separate plans. See beta access and pricing.
Research tools
Lab notebook
Embed tables and figures in your notes.
Add tables, sequence maps, molecules and phylogenetic trees directly to your write-up. Open the original record from the note when you need to work on it.
Inside the desktop app
Analyze tables and edit plots.
Switch between tables, run an analysis, and read BeakerBot’s suggestions.
Research tools
Sequences, molecules, and scientific figures.
View, annotate, design, and clone.
An open-source alternative to SnapGene. Edit sequences, design primers, and plan cloning assemblies.
Trees, protocols, calculators, and lab planning.
Style a tree, compare protein domains, and zoom into the figure.
Sequence comparisons
Compare gene regions and protein domains side by side, then add the comparison to a tree or scientific figure.
Code exports
Export Python for supported analyses, plots and trees. Inspect the code and rerun it outside ResearchOS.
Lab calculators
Calculate dilutions, solution recipes and primer melting temperatures without leaving your notebook.
Methods and protocols
Keep reusable methods with your experiments and run protocols at the bench.
Gantt planning
Schedule experiments on a Gantt chart with dependencies and deadlines.
Orders and inventory
Keep track of supplies and purchases alongside your research.
Mentorship and check-ins
Keep notes and goals for trainee development and meetings.
BeakerSearch and BeakerBot
Find an experiment, note, or table.
Search your notebook and open the matching record. For help running an analysis or working with a paper, ask BeakerBot.
Mobile companion
Scan notes and inventory from your phone.
Scan paper notes into your digital notebook with text that becomes searchable after sync. Review the extracted text, especially for handwriting. Scan inventory barcodes and use lab calculators from your phone.
Mobile pairing requires Premium access, which can be provided through your lab. See pricing for current beta access.
See the mobile companion
Open source · AGPLv3
Your notebook stays on your computer.
Your notebook lives in a folder on your computer. The desktop app is free to use, and the source is open to inspect, adapt and contribute to.
View the source codeBuilt in MadisonA registered Wisconsin LLC, independent and Midwest based.
Made by academics,
for academics.
Open science
Icons, credits, and research guides.
Scientific icon library
Browse openly licensed scientific artwork with its source and license.
Browse the libraryData management and sharing
Read about local records, exports and sharing research.
Read the guideOpen-source tools and credits
See the software ResearchOS uses and the people who built it.
Tools and their creatorsWhy I built ResearchOS
Research software costs too much.
I built ResearchOS because I was frustrated by the limited competition in research software and the prices researchers were expected to pay.
Documenting and analyzing your research should be straightforward. You should be able to store all your data yourself and stay in control of it, without handing that control to a software company.
Grant R. Nickles · Founder, ResearchOS
Common questions
Is ResearchOS free?
The local desktop app is free and open source under AGPLv3. Mobile pairing, lab cloud services, and optional AI have separate plans. See the pricing page for current beta access.
Can I bring an existing LabArchives notebook?
Yes. Import a LabArchives Offline Notebook ZIP and map its folders to ResearchOS projects. This is a one-way import, not live two-way sync. Some externally hosted images need a separate recovery step.
Where does my notebook live?
In a folder on your computer. Sharing and publishing are separate choices you make. Cloud backup setup is being finalized for the desktop beta, using storage you choose with your provider.
Do I have to use AI?
No. You can use the notebook, analysis and research tools without BeakerBot. Hosted AI requests send the messages and context needed for that request to the model provider.
Is the phone app the same as the desktop app?
Use the desktop app to write notes, analyze data, and build figures. Use your phone to scan notes, take photos, and update inventory.
ResearchOS for your computer
Download ResearchOS.
Free local app. Mac and Windows.
Public downloads are not available yet. You can still explore the recorded demos and documentation.