Start here

Follow this guide to import a DNA sequence, inspect it, make a small edit, and continue to your next step.

This walkthrough uses a demo sequence so you can explore safely.

You’ll finish with

  • a sequence loaded in RayCrest MDS
  • a confirmed edit
  • a clear next step, such as primers, cloning, or validation

Before you start

  • Open RayCrest MDS.
  • Make sure you can reach the welcome screen or the File menu.

Step 1 — Open a safe practice sequence

Open the demo workspace so you can practice without changing live work.

  1. On the welcome screen, choose Open Demo Workspace.
  2. Wait for the workspace to load.
  3. In the left sidebar, select a demo plasmid.
  4. If needed, set the top View picker to Sequence.

Sequence workspace with a sequence open This is the safe practice state you want first: a real sequence open in the viewer and ready to inspect.

Check your result

  • The sequence appears in the viewer.
  • You can scroll and zoom through the sequence.
  • The sidebar and view controls are visible.

Step 2 — Make one small edit

Select a short region and replace it so you can confirm editing works end to end.

  1. Click and drag to select a short region.
  2. Type a small base change to replace the selected region.
  3. If the change affects coding sequence, turn on Protein or ORFs to review it.

Selected region in Sequence view This is the first place most users hesitate. Make the selection first, then edit only that region.

Check your result

  • Your edit is visible in the selected region.
  • The sequence stays active in the viewer.

You can always undo changes

If you make a mistake while editing, you can undo it immediately.

  • Press ⌘Z to undo your last change.
  • Open History to view previous states of the sequence.

Sequence history panel

You can restore any previous state or branch from it without losing your work.

Step 3 — Export or continue

Save a handoff file, or keep the edited sequence open and move straight into the next workflow.

  1. If you want a handoff file, open File > Export Sequence (FASTA)....
  2. Choose a save location and save the file.
  3. If you want to keep working instead, leave the edited sequence open and move to the next workflow.

Check your result

  • A FASTA file is saved to the location you chose, or the edited sequence remains open for the next step.

Watch for this

  • If export commands are disabled, select the plasmid again in the sidebar before retrying.

You’re ready

You now have:

  • a sequence loaded
  • a confirmed edit
  • a clear next step

From here, continue with primers, cloning, or validation.

What to do next

Continue your workflow:

Explore further: