Tools
Free tools bench scientists actually use.
A curated directory of free and open-source software for imaging, analysis, plotting, and everyday lab math. We don't host these — we just point you to the real thing.
The list.
ImageJ / Fiji
Free, open-source image processing for microscopy, gels, and blots. The bench-science standard.
Visit site ↗SnapGene Viewer
Free plasmid and sequence viewer — read .dna files and annotate constructs without a paid license.
Visit site ↗Benchling (Free tier)
Cloud ELN and molecular biology suite with a free tier for individual labs and small teams.
Visit site ↗R + ggplot2
Open-source statistical computing and publication-quality plotting — the free alternative to GraphPad Prism.
Visit site ↗GraphPad QuickCalcs
Free web calculators for t-tests, dilutions, molarity conversions, and other everyday bench math.
Visit site ↗Benchling Molecular Biology Tools
Free browser-based primer design, restriction site finder, and sequence alignment.
Visit site ↗Galaxy Project
Free, browser-based platform for genomics and sequencing data analysis — no local install required.
Visit site ↗Cytoscape
Open-source software for visualizing molecular interaction networks and pathways.
Visit site ↗Addgene Protocols & Resources
Free plasmid repository with linked protocols for cloning, transfection, and viral prep.
Visit site ↗PubMed
Free literature search from the National Library of Medicine — the source behind most cited protocols.
Visit site ↗Know a tool we're missing?
This list is curated by hand and growing. Drop a note in the waitlist form below and we'll add it.
Suggest a tool →