Downloading Selected Metadata

An entity's metadata shows how that entity is structured. Metadata files are usually small text files, so you can download them directly to your computer. You do not need to log in before downloading metadata files.

To download selected metadata

1. Select the objects for which you want to download metadata. For instructions, refer to Selecting Multiple Objects. 

2. On the Investigation Details page, click Download Selected Metadata.
   Your browser prompts you to open or save the ZIP file. Follow your browser's instructions to open or save the file.

   Archive File Contents

   The archive file is in compressed format. When you download it, the system generates a single compressed folder (a ZIP file). When you open it, you see at minimum three text files at the root of the folder or file. An example of these follow. 

      a_10290.txt

      i_10290.txt

      s_10290.txt

   The text files contain metadata to describe the investigation, study or studies, and assay or assays. In this example, 10290 represents the file identifier but in practice, each file identifier may be named differently, even in the same investigation. Only the a, i, or s prefix is required. 

   Keep in mind these files when performing a download:

   • If you download metadata, the archive only includes the a, i, and s files (the metadata files).
   • If you download full data, the archive does not contain the metadata files, but does contain data files or folders as appropriate for the investigation; for example, images.
   • If you perform a partial download, the archive includes the metadata and data files for your selections.