Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of sequences does BOLD accept?

BOLD accepts sequences from more than 150 genetic markers including the 4 main DNA barcoding markers: COI-5P, ITS, matK, and rbcL as well as dozens of others. For a full list of markers accepted, or to inquire about adding new markers to the BOLD database, contact support@boldsystems.org.

Can I take advantage of the tools on BOLD without creating an account?

Many tools including the BOLD Taxonomy Browser, the BOLD ID Engine, the BIN Database, and the BOLD Public Data Portal are all available publicly without creating an account. The BOLD Taxonomy Browser allows users to view information about the progress of DNA barcoding for any taxon on BOLD, while the Public Data Portal and BIN database allow users to view the actual records assembled in BOLD and used in scientific publications. Finally, the BOLD ID Engine allows users to compare their sequences against the DNA barcode library to infer specimen identifications. 

Can I create an account and put my sequence on BOLD even if I am not part of the iBOL project?

Being a member of iBOL is not a pre-requisite for using BOLD Systems. BOLD Systems is an open access DNA barcoding workbench and anyone is welcome to use it to store and analyze data. All BOLD users have access to the same tools and resources whether they are part of iBOL or not.  

Can I request access to private data?

BOLD adheres to stringent security policies to ensure the privacy of its users. However, one of the goals of BOLD is to promote data sharing and collaboration. As such, you may request access to private data from BOLD by sending a message to support@boldsystems.org, and our support staff will contact the owner on your behalf. It is beneficial to include a description of what the data will be used for, as it will help data owners in their decision-making process.

What is the source of the identification in the BOLD ID Engine?

BOLD is a community-based website, so all identifications provided by the BOLD ID Engine are based on data submitted by other users of the system. In order to minimize uncertainty, the BOLD ID Engine offers four separate libraries for users to search from. These vary both in the number of records and type of data they possess. Read the descriptions offered for each library to make sure you select the most appropriate option for your search.

BOLD also offers historical database searches, so you can search as far back as 2009 and see the historical results for your search. This tool is especially useful for users trying to replicate results from previous years.

When a FASTA file is pasted into the ID Engine, BOLD compares it to all other records in the system, finding matching sequences to generate an identification. The accuracy of the identification depends heavily on the quality of the underlying data. As such, we encourage project managers to ensure the validity of the taxonomic identifications on their records.

I noticed an issue with one of the records in the BOLD Public Data Portal. Who should I contact about that?

If you notice an issue with one of the records on BOLD Public Data Portal, you can log into BOLD to add a comment or a tag to that particular record. The owner of the record will be notified of your tag and comment so they know to take action. If you do not have a BOLD account, we recommend that you register for one. Otherwise please contact support@boldsystems.org so our support staff can contact the record owner.