4Peaks for Mac

Quick product snapshot

4Peaks is a free chromatogram viewer designed for molecular biology workflows. It provides a compact, easy-to-navigate interface for visualizing and editing DNA trace files while keeping the toolset focused and efficient. The app is intended to let users inspect sequence traces, correct base calls, and prepare publication-ready visuals without unnecessary complexity.

File compatibility and extensions

The program reads the common trace file types used in sequencing workflows and can be extended through user-created modules.

• CTF
• BIO
• EXP
• ZTR
• SCF

It also supports plug-ins for both nucleotide and protein analyses, so you can add functionality for specialized tasks.

Key capabilities

4Peaks mixes simple analysis tools with lightweight editing features that streamline routine sequence inspection.

• Built-in BLAST access for comparing your sequence to entries on the NCBI servers
• Multiple translation tables so you can view protein translations and assess mutation impacts
• Fast motif highlighting with several presets and the option to define your own search patterns
• Trace editing utilities that let you correct miscalled bases and remove poor-quality segments
• Region marking and adjustable horizontal/vertical scaling to simplify interpretation of difficult areas
• Export options to generate high-quality PDFs of traces for reports and publications

How comparisons with public databases work

The app includes a Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) client. From the sequence menu you can select regions or full traces to submit, then compare results against NCBI’s nucleotide databases. This integration removes the need to manually prepare or upload files through a web browser.

Editing workflow and output

Editing is straightforward: manually change base calls, crop low-quality ends, and scale problematic regions to improve readability. You can tag regions for quick return and then export the final trace or figure as a PDF suitable for print or presentation.

Why researchers use it

Researchers favor 4Peaks for its balance of clarity and capability. It handles the major trace formats, provides useful analysis aids like BLAST and translation tables, and includes the essential editing and export tools needed for lab-level sequence validation and documentation.

Alternatives to consider

If you need different functionality or a broader image/analysis ecosystem, open-source tools such as ImageJ are commonly recommended as free alternatives.