After scanning an array a picture is created and specific software is needed to perform an image analysis. Each microarray platform (or scanner) provides specific methods to convert the image into a data file storing intensity measurements of each spot.

In Babelomics and in general microarray studies, those data files are considered to be the raw data; the starting point of any microarray analysis study.

There are 3 raw data types that can be read and processed using Babelomics.

• .CEL files: Affymetrix raw data files.
• Agilent raw data files.
• .GPR files: GenePix raw data files.