Create plates and fill wells

Matrix plates require you to create wells before filling them. Fixed plates are created with wells automatically so you can begin filling them immediately. This article applies to fixed plates.

If you're using matrix plates, visit Create new containers and fill samples within the box or plate page.

Note: You must configure Plate schemas and Container schemas (wells) and at least one location before creating plates for the first time.

Creating a single plate

1. Click the freezer icon to open the inventory application.

2. Click +, under Plate, select Create Plate.

3. Specify the plate schema and location, as well as a plate name and project, if desired.

4. Click Create.

Importing plates in bulk using a spreadsheet

1. Click the freezer icon to open the inventory application.
2. Click +, under Plate, select Import Plates.
3. Specify the plate schema and location, as well as a plate name and project, if desired, and click Next.
4. Upload a spreadsheet or copy and paste raw text from a spreadsheet and select “Next”. Please make sure that column headers are included and that the following columns are among those present: Plate name, Location, Any plate fields that you would like incorporated in the import
5. Check to see that the column headers from your upload match with the column types in Benchling and select “Next”. Benchling will automatically match column headers to column types if the text matches, however if a different wording is used then you will need to update these to match using the dropdown options under column types
6. If Benchling does not find any errors with the import, select “Import” to finish the plate creation

Filling wells from the plate page

1. Select the wells in your plate by interacting with the diagram on the left or the well list on the right and select "Fill Wells". You can select multiple wells to fill through this action

2. Specify if you will be filling the well with an entity that is not already in a container or if you will be transferring an entity from an existing container. If you’re filling from an entity not already in a container, choose the existing entity that you would like to fill the container with or register a new entity from this page. If transferring an entity from a container, choose the container from which you are transferring the entity from and specify the volumes and units as prompted

Filling wells in bulk using a spreadsheet

1. 1. Click the freezer icon to open the inventory application.
   2. Click + and select Import Transfer Data.
   3. Upload a spreadsheet or copy and paste raw text from a spreadsheet and select “Next”. Please make sure that column headers are included and that the following columns are among those present: ID, Destination plate, Destination well, Volume, Volume units
   4. Check to see that the column headers from your upload match with the column types in Benchling and select “Next”. Benchling will automatically match column headers to column types if the text matches, however if different wording is used then you will need to update these to match using the dropdown options under column types
   5. If Benchling does not find any errors with the import, select “Import” to finish filling your wells in bulk