Using the PASTA-ELN GUI¶
Using the PASTA-ELN GUI
PASTA-ELN is organized around the currently selected project. The main window contains four areas:
Projects: Select a project, create a project with +, or show hidden projects.
Home: Browse the selected project's folder and item hierarchy.
Common Lists: Open lists of measurements, samples, workflows, devices, tags, and unidentified items. Available item types may depend on the project group configuration.
Details: View or edit the selected item. Select an item again to close the details pane.
Common actions¶
The following table gives the shortest route to the most common tasks.
Goal |
Where to find it |
|---|---|
Add a project |
Click + in the Projects area |
Add a folder |
Use Add subfolder or the project-tree context menu |
Add an item |
Use the project-tree context menu: Add item |
Import files |
Use Project > Import file(s) or drag files onto a folder |
Scan files |
Use the project More > Scan menu |
Edit metadata |
Select an item and choose Edit in the Details pane |
Configure data types |
Use Project group > Configure > Item type editor |
Configure definitions |
Use Project group > Configure > Definitions editor |
Publish a project |
Use Project > Upload to repository |
Project visibility and files¶
The Display menu in the project view controls whether hidden items and project details are shown, and whether the hierarchy is displayed compactly or in full. The More menu also contains project editing and project-specific add-ons.
Files can be imported directly into a selected folder by drag-and-drop. The project Scan action checks the project directory for files and folders that are not yet represented in the database and runs applicable extractors.
Important and advanced actions¶
Some operations affect stored data or external services:
Project > Export project to .eln and Import .eln into project exchange complete project packages.
Project > Delete current project permanently removes the project from the database and should be used only after checking the project selection.
Project group > Synchronize exchanges data with a configured elabFTW server. The available send/get actions depend on the installation.
Other > Configuration > Repository stores and verifies Zenodo or Dataverse connection details. The upload dialog allows the metadata and item types to be reviewed before uploading.
For table-specific operations such as filtering, CSV export, sequential editing, or rerunning extractors, use the Actions, View, and More menus above the relevant list. These controls are intentionally kept close to the list because they apply only to that item type.
Configuration¶
Open Other > Configuration to change the following:
Project group: local data paths, add-on paths, common folders, and optional elabFTW settings.
Interface: theme, hidden-item behavior, window sizes, logging, upload, and extractor limits.
Author: author and organization information used in metadata.
Repository: Zenodo and Dataverse URLs, API keys, and Dataverse selection.
Add-on parameters: settings required by installed add-ons.
Setup: installation repair, shortcut creation, and example data.
The Item type editor and Definitions editor are intended for users who maintain a project group's data structure. Changes to these settings affect forms and list columns for subsequent use.