Getting Started with Specify

:book: This is the jumping off point for users looking for an overview of Specify!

Welcome to Specify!

Introduction to Specify

Getting Started

Using Specify

Click the links to dive deeper into any topic.

Data Entry

  • :data_entry_: Data Entry
    • Data Entry in Specify 7 guides you through filling out specimen and sample information using customizable form layouts. You’ll learn how to enter text, pick from controlled lists, and validate your entries against existing data.
  • :pencil_: Using Forms
    • Forms are the heart of the data-capture workflow. This section shows you how to navigate between tabs and fields and perform data entry.
  • :trees_: Trees
  • :gear_: Form Meta

Interactions

  • :interactions_: Interactions
    • Specify’s interactive tools let you link records, drag and drop items in hierarchical “tree” views, and follow relationships between specimens, taxonomy, geography, and more—all without leaving your browser window.

Queries

  • :queries_: Query Builder
    • The Query Builder gives you full access to every table and field in your database. Learn to craft complex, multi-field searches with AND/OR logic, save query templates for reuse, and export results for further analysis.
  • :search_: Simple Search
  • :statistics_: Statistics
    • Quickly generate summary tables and charts from your collection data. Learn to slice and dice by taxon, geography, date ranges, or any other field to uncover trends and support research reports.
  • Record Merging

Record Sets

  • :record_sets_: Record Sets
    • Record Sets are named collections of records that you can gather from searches or queries. Use them to bookmark batches of interest, share work with colleagues, or as the basis for labels, reports, and exports.
    • Query on Record Set

Reports & Labels

Bulk Data

  • :workbench_: WorkBench
    • The WorkBench is your bulk-data import and editing environment. Whether you’re typing directly into a spreadsheet view or uploading an Excel file, WorkBench validates entries against existing records to ensure data quality.
  • :batchedit_: Batch Edit
    • Batch Edit lets you apply the same change—like updating a taxonomy or georeference—to hundreds or thousands of records at once. You’ll walk through selecting target records, choosing fields to update, and reviewing edits before committing.
  • Locality Update Tool

Attachments

  • :attachments_: Attachments
    • Manage linked media—images, documents, videos, sounds, and more—through Specify’s Attachment Server. This covers uploading, organizing, and retrieving assets so that every specimen record can carry its supporting files.
  • :gallery_: Batch Uploader

Customization

Publishing

Advanced

IT Resources