Virtual Gel — Restriction Digest & Agarose Gel Simulator
Predict restriction fragments and see the simulated agarose gel with a ladder.
🔒 Local processing — pasted sequences are not uploaded
See what your restriction digest will look like on a gel before you run it. Paste a sequence or plasmid, choose one or more enzymes, and the tool predicts every fragment and lays them out on a simulated agarose gel beside a DNA ladder, with a fragment-size table. Pick a linear or circular template and your ladder, then export the gel image as SVG or PNG for your notebook.
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Fragments are predicted from the recognition sites of the selected enzymes; band positions use a log-size migration model against the chosen ladder. Uncut circular DNA runs as a single (super)coiled species. This is a prediction — real migration depends on gel %, voltage and conformation.
How to use the Virtual Gel tool
- 1Paste a DNA sequence or plasmid and choose linear or circular.
- 2Select one or more restriction enzymes and a DNA ladder.
- 3Read the predicted band pattern and fragment sizes, then export the gel image.
Frequently asked questions
- How are the band positions determined?
- Fragment sizes come from the recognition sites of the enzymes you pick. Each band is placed by a log-size migration model relative to the selected ladder — larger fragments migrate less. It's a prediction; real migration also depends on gel percentage, voltage and DNA conformation.
- Does it handle double digests and circular plasmids?
- Yes. Select multiple enzymes for a double (or triple) digest, and toggle circular for a plasmid — fragments are computed around the circle. Uncut circular DNA runs as a single band.
- Can I export the gel image?
- Yes — export the simulated gel as a vector SVG or a high-resolution PNG.