Creating or editing a MassLynx sample list

The sample list, displayed in the main MassLynx window, is similar to a spreadsheet. You can type values directly into the highlighted cell or, depending on the type, right-click or double-click in a cell to choose a file or from a list of options. You can also copy, cut, and paste cells, rows, and columns.

To add another sample (row):

1. On the Sample List menu bar, click Samples > Add.
2. Enter the number of samples you wish to add.
3. Click OK.

Result: The new samples are added to the bottom of the sample list.

You can also insert rows for additional samples by clicking Samples > Insert; the new sample row is inserted above the current selection.

Filling cells automatically

Rather than entering values individually into every cell in the sample list, you can automatically fill cells, saving on time and replicated effort. There are a number of different features available to help you:

Adding new sample rows

When you add or insert new rows, the values from the row above are automatically inserted into the new row.

Entering appropriate values for one row and then creating a number of new rows is much quicker than creating empty rows first and then entering appropriate rows manually.

Fill down

Use the fill down feature to enable the contents of one cell to be inserted into multiple cells on subsequent rows.

To use this feature, select an area more than one row in depth and, on the Sample List menu bar, click Samples > Fill > Down. The contents of the first selected cells are inserted into the cells below.

Fill series

Use the fill series feature to insert the contents of one cell into multiple cells on subsequent rows, incrementing the numerical values for each cell. If the first cell contains 1:20, for example, the next cell has 1:21 inserted, the next 1:22, and so on.

To use this feature, select an area more than one row in depth and, on the Sample List menu bar, click Samples > Fill > Series.

The autosampler bed layout

If you have a Waters or Gilson autosampler installed, you can use the autosampler bed layout display to insert information directly into the sample list.

To insert information from the autosampler bed layout:

1. Click Samples > AutoSampler Bed Layout.

   Result: The AutoSampler Bed Layout dialog box appears.

2. Select the samples you wish to add to the sample list.
3. Use the buttons at the top of the dialog to add samples to the list, replace the selected sample, or insert the sample at the selected line. You can add more than one sample at once.

Copying data from a spreadsheet

You can copy spreadsheets created in other Windows applications into the sample list.

To copy data from a spreadsheet:

1. Add rows and columns to the sample list so that it matches the number of rows and columns in the data you want to copy.
2. Select the relevant area in the other Windows application, then copy it.
3. Click Edit > Paste on the Sample List menu bar.

Specifying the inlet and MS method

If you have worked through "What is an inlet method?" and "Setting up MS methods", one or more inlet method and MS method files are created. These files will be used during data acquisition.

To specify which inlet method to use:

1. Double-click in the Inlet File column for the sample.

   Alternative: In the Inlet File column for the sample, right-click, then click Browse.

2. Click the inlet method you want to use; click OK.

To specify which MS method to use:

1. Double-click in the MS File column for the sample.

   Alternative: In the MS File column for the sample, right-click, then click Browse.

2. Click the MS method file you want to use; click Open.

   Tip: If you cannot see these columns, customize the display so that they are visible. See "Customizing the sample list display".

Importing sample lists and data

MassLynx allows you to import complete sample lists from other software applications, and also provides a feature for you to import data into sample lists you have created. OpenLynx batch files, (*.olb) containing lists of samples that failed to run, can also be imported directly into the sample list.