FigTree

Man has always tried to keep an accurate record of his discoveries over time. Most data is now found on computers, with specialized applications required to gather, access and store it. One such utility is FigTree and represents a means to access databases that contains phylogenetic tree information.

Running the application brings up a decent design, with various customizable elements, as well as a large enough preview section. A side panel lets you configure viewing options and can be hidden for even more space.

Importing files is done in a jiffy and you are free to start your analysis. Depending on the amount of data contained within the file you import and its complexity, you can customize the way it is displayed on your workspace. There are three main types, rectangular, polar and radial tree, each with a few specific options to make each branch clearer.

The application lets you go even deeper into customization. You can adjust color settings and what determines gradients to form, branch and nodes ordering and transformation, as well as enabling thorough info to be displayed next to specific elements in the tree.

One of the most useful features is the possibility to export changes. This can be done for a decent and diverse amount of formats, such as PDF, SVG, PNG and JPG. You can choose to directly have it printed on a sheet of paper.

Something worth considering though, is the moderate to high amount of system resources used. However, this strictly depends on the richness of the imported file and the number of enabled details in the workspace.

On an ending note, FigTree can prove to be a practical application in order to view and analyze phylogenetic trees. The only thing you need to get used to is the difficult implemented navigation system, but other than that the application comes equipped with enough tools to let you fully customize the way info is displayed.