> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.parheliabio.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.parheliabio.com/product-guides/software-requirements.md).

# Software Requirements

### To use Parhelia Omni-Stainer™ you will need: 

* #### Microsoft Excel

  [The labware layout .xlsx files can also be viewed and edited in Google Sheets if running the Chrome Browser ](https://support.google.com/docs/answer/9331167?hl=en#2.3)
* **Opentrons App** 

  The Opentrons App is available for free download from this a link on this page: <https://opentrons.com/ot-app/>

### Parhelia StainWorks™

[Parhelia StainWorks™](https://stainworks.parheliabio.com/) is a web-based application that provides a UI for no-code customization of the protocols and does not require any software installation. Both .xlsx files and .py files are downloaded from StainWorks.

Additionally, we currently require users to occasionally download new custom labware layout files (.JSON format) from our GitHub repository at: <https://github.com/parheliabio/ot2-scripts/tree/main/labware>

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### For R\&D:&#x20;

You will want a program where you can read and write Python files, what we recommend\* to our users is:

* #### PyCharm&#x20;

The free Community Addition ("CE") can be downloaded by scrolling down to the button of the download page: <https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/download/?section=windows>

{% hint style="info" %}
You could also use a built-in program like TextEdit for Mac, but it is much harder to actually use it since there is no color coding. Or you could use the official Python viewer IDLE, by downloading Python at <https://www.python.org/downloads/>. There are web-based applications for this, but I don't know enough about them to recommend any.
{% endhint %}

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### Recommended, but not required, software for advanced support:

* #### TeamViewer

For faster support, you may want to get set up with TeamViewer (available for free download at:[ https://www.teamviewer.com/en-us/download/windows/](https://www.teamviewer.com/en-us/download/windows/)) so our team can control the robot directly through your computer, but that is not required.&#x20;

* #### ManyCam

If you want to use a webcam then you will want a recording/streaming program. There is a variety of software for this, and what we recommend to our users is ManyCam (available for free download at: <https://manycam.com/download/>)

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If anything remains unclear please us know!

Email: <support@parheliabio.com><br>