Extract text from DNA chromatograms (SCF)
To convert SCF chromatograms to another format, you need FinchTV or other Data software.
To convert other file formats to the "Bioinformatics Data File" file type, you need software like FinchTV or a similar tool.
The .SCF file format primarily functions as a Standard Chromatogram Format file used in bioinformatics to store DNA sequencing data. It contains continuous data representing the fluorescent signals captured during Sanger sequencing. A secondary, but highly common use, is the Windows Shell Command file, a simple text-based shortcut used by Microsoft Windows to execute File Explorer commands - most famously the classic 'Show Desktop' button.
Working with .SCF files presents distinct challenges depending on their origin. DNA chromatogram files require specialized, often outdated bioinformatics software like FinchTV or Chromas to view the trace data. Many of these desktop applications are no longer updated, making them difficult to run on modern operating systems without emulation. Conversely, Windows .SCF files are legacy formats that pose notable security risks, as malicious actors can disguise harmful executable commands within them.
To overcome software limitations and improve accessibility, conversion is highly recommended. For bioinformatics applications, convert .SCF to FASTA to extract just the raw nucleotide sequence for alignment, or to AB1 for better compatibility with modern genome browsers. For Windows commands or visual novel game scripts (used by the KiriKiri engine), convert to TXT for safe reading and editing. Drag and drop your file here to analyze and convert it - free, online, and without installing software.
Convert.Guru analyzes your SCF file, detects the exact format, and lets you read the text inside.
Users also converted RASCUNHO, XCF, SFC, JPG, ABI, AB1, FASTA, PDF, LOG, PRX, CAB, MCF and SCM files.
If you want to convert SCF file to MCF, SCM, NM3, CCF, BBL, SYS, DLL, EXE, DRV, VXD, 386 or COM, you can use FinchTV or similar software from the "DNA Sequencing Data Storage" category. In the File menu, look for Save As… or Export….
To convert MSI, EXE, REG, MST, LNK, CAB, CAT, DRV, INF, SYS, MSU or DLL files to SCF, try FinchTV or another comparable tool in the "DNA Sequencing Data Storage" category.
The history of Convert.Guru began over 25 years ago in California with Tom Simondi’s file-format database. A former contributor to Space Shuttle development and a software pioneer of the 1980s, Simondi established a trusted resource for file type analysis that was even referenced by Microsoft Windows XP. Today, we use modern technology to process and convert thousands of file formats while continually improving our SCF converter.