NCBI Batch Entrez
Database File:

Batch Entrez

Use Batch Entrez to upload a file of GIs or accession numbers from the Nucleotide or Protein databases, or upload a list of record identifiers from other Entrez databases.

Tips : Some lists of record identifiers can be tens of thousands of lines long and Batch Entrez may not retrieve all records from one list. Split the list of identifiers into smaller files using a file splitting software or a file split command at the command prompt in UNIX or LINUX systems. Put several thousand record identifiers per file, left-formatted, and one per line. This may be necessary when you are loading large numbers of genome records. You can check the NCBI FTP site locations to download entire genome records. Also, use GIs rather than 'accession.version' numbers when making lists for batch entrez to fetch.

Please note that Batch Entrez will check for duplicate identifiers when reporting results from a list that you have imported.

When retrieving a list of Nucleotide accessions, you must select the specific component database from which the accessions or GIs were saved. For Nucleotide, choose either the CoreNucleotide, the EST or the GSS selection from the database menu. If you have a mixed list of nucleotide accessions or UIDs, you will need to run the Batch Entrez search three times. Select the database from the pull-down menu, CoreNucleotide, EST, and GSS separately.

In all cases, be certain to select the correct database for uploaded identifiers when using Batch Entrez, to ensure the expected records. For example, if you have saved a list of protein GIs, be sure to select the Protein database.

  • Create a file with a list of GI or accession numbers and save it locally
  • Select the database from which the list of accessions or UIDs originated
  • Use the 'Browse' button to select the filename containing the list of UIDs from your system directory
  • Press the Retrieve button and you will see a list of document summaries
  • Select a format in which to display the data for viewing, and/or saving
  • Select 'Send to file' to save the file.

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