This is the jumping off point for users looking for an overview of Specify!
Welcome to Specify!
Introduction to Specify
Technical Overview
- Specify 7 Architecture Overview
- Specify 7 Recommended Server Specifications
- Self-Hosting Specify 7
- Specify Cloud (SCC-managed cloud environment)
IT Resources
Data Publishing
- DwCA Data Exporting in Specify 7
Data Exporting in Specify 7 (DwCA Export)- Automating RSS Feed Updates in Specify 7 with Cron
Installation Instructions
Getting Started with Specify
- Webinar: Introduction to Specify
- Specify Wizard: Creating a Database
- Database Basics
- Using the Forms
- Institutional Model
Using Specify
Click the links to dive deeper into any topic.
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.
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.
Interactions in Specify
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.
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.
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.
Reports & Labels
Print custom reports and specimen labels with the Reports tool. Using Jaspersoft Studio, you can arrange fields, create barcodes, apply styles, and generate printable labels for specimens, cabinets, loans, gifts, and more.
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.
Specify 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.
Schema Config
Schema Config lets you tailor the underlying data model and form definitions. Here you’ll see how to enable or hide fields, adjust data types, and propagate changes across forms without writing code.
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.
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.