# Common questions regarding custom recipes for the NextSeq 500/550

**How can a custom recipe be obtained?**

To obtain a custom recipe, contact your local Illumina Field Applications Scientist (FAS). For help contacting your FAS, contact [Illumina Technical Support](https://www.illumina.com/company/contact-us.html#/).

**Can 'Local Run Manager' mode be used for run setup with a custom recipe?**

No, 'Manual Mode' must be used for run setup in order to select a custom recipe.

**Do dark cycles need to be added to the total cycle length entered into run setup?**

No, dark cycles are accounted for in the custom recipe and do need to be added to the desired cycle length during run setup.

For information on using custom recipes during run setup, see Knowledge Base article [How to Select Custom Recipes on the NextSeq 500/550 in NCS 4.0.X](https://knowledge.illumina.com/instrumentation/nextseq-500-550/instrumentation-nextseq-500-550-reference_material-list/000002138).

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| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #2618), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000002618%20-%20Instrumentation%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |


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