> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.illumina.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.illumina.com/microarray/general/microarray-general-reference_material-list/000002888.md).

# Which files are required and optional when creating a GenomeStudio project?

Creating a GenomeStudio project requires specific input files. File requirements vary slightly between genotyping and methylation project. Optional files can be included to support analysis.## **Required Files**

The following files are required to create a GenomeStudio project:

* **Intensity data files (\*.idat)**\
  Contain red and green signal intensity data for each sample. These files are located in scan folders named by barcode.
* **Manifest file (\*.bpm)**\
  Contains Bead IDs and SNP or CpG loci information for each marker on the array.
  * Commercial BeadChip manifests are available from the product-specific Illumina Support page under *Product Files*.
  * Consortium or custom manifests can be downloaded from *MyIllumina* using a custom product file search. Consult Knowledge [How to access custom array product files (manifests and product definition files) in MyIllumina](/microarray/iselect-custom-genotyping/microarray-iselect-custom-genotyping-reference_material-list/000001531.md).
* **Sentrix Descriptor File (\*.sdf)** *(Methylation projects only)*\
  Located in the scan data folder and required for methylation workflows.

###

### **Optional Files**

The following files are optional but may be used to support analysis:

* **Cluster file (\*.egt)** *(Genotyping only)*\
  Contains expected cluster positions for each marker on the array.
  * Commercial BeadChip cluster files are available from the product-specific Illumina Support page under *Product Files*.
  * Custom/consortium BeadChip cluster files must be generated within GenomeStudio 2.0.
* **Sample sheet (\*.csv)**\
  Contains user-defined sample information.
  * Templates are available from the product-specific Illumina Support page under *Support Files*. Consult Knowledge [Sample sheet guidelines for GenomeStudio.](https://github.com/illumina-swi/illumina-knowledge/tree/master/articles/Knowledge/GenomeStudio-Sample-Sheet-Guidelines/README.md)

**Table 1.** File requirements for GenomeStudio projects

![](/files/MzS2fMAOiCvc5QcGaCcx)

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| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #2888), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000003223%20-%20Microarray%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |


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