Frequently Asked Questions
Scheme Generation
Why do I have to accept a license agreement?
We believe in open-source and accessible work. Therefore, we have chosen a permissive license (CC BY-SA 4.0) for all primer schemes generated by this website, that allows users to share, adapt, and use them for any purpose, including commercial applications. The license has two key restrictions:
Attribution
If you modify, use, or share a primer scheme generated by this website, you must:
- Provide credit to the original scheme designers
- Acknowledge the creators of PrimalScheme
This approach ensures proper recognition and helps others trace the original source of the work.
ShareAlike
If you remix, transform, or build upon a primer scheme generated by this website, you must distribute your contributions under the same license as the original.
This condition prevents the material from being:
- Locked behind proprietary licenses
- Restricted through closed-source development
Instead, it ensures that the work remains open and accessible to everyone.
How do I use files larger than 10MB?
You will need to install and run PrimalScheme on your own hardware (instructions). This will allow you to generate schemes from larger files without any restrictions.
Can I use primer schemes generated by this website for commercial purposes?
Yes, you can use primer schemes generated by this website for commercial purposes, as long as they are not closed-sourced.
Important: This license covers only the primer scheme designs generated by this website. It does not override or supersede the licenses of the input genome sequences used to generate the scheme. Some reference genomes — for example those covered by Pathoplex restricted-use licenses — may not permit commercial use. It is your responsibility to ensure that any input sequences you provide are appropriately licensed for your intended use.
How do I cite PrimalScheme?
Citing PrimalScheme is not required, although appreciated. Please cite the PrimalScheme3 preprint