Microplate Layout and Plate Map Designer

Plate Map guide & FAQ

Design an editable microplate map

This online plate map maker creates labeled, color-coded layouts for 6-, 12-, 15-, 24-, 48-, 96-, and 384-well plates. Use it to plan ELISA, PCR and qPCR, cell culture, dose-response, screening, standard-curve, and sample-tracking workflows without rebuilding a plate diagram in a spreadsheet.

Click or drag to select wells, assign labels and colors, and use pattern fill for repeated conditions. The dilution-series tool can generate sequential concentrations across rows or columns. Empty-well and eraser modes make it easy to distinguish unused positions from wells that still need to be assigned.

How to make a 96-well plate layout

  1. Select the 96-well format, which uses rows A–H and columns 1–12.
  2. Name the experiment and define samples, controls, standards, treatments, or concentrations.
  3. Select individual wells or ranges, then apply labels and colors. Use pattern fill for replicates and serial dilution for concentration series.
  4. Review orientation and well coordinates before printing, exporting, saving, or sharing the plate map.

A plate map is a planning and documentation aid. Before running an assay, verify the physical plate orientation, sample order, controls, replicate structure, and liquid-handling instructions against the experimental protocol. For calculated multi-step concentrations and transfer volumes, start with the serial dilution plate planner.

Plate map maker FAQ

Can I create a printable 96-well plate template?

Yes. Choose the 96-well format, leave wells blank for a printable template, or add labels and colors to produce a completed plate map for your bench or lab notebook.

Does the designer support 384-well plates?

Yes. It supports common formats from 6 through 384 wells, including 24-, 48-, and 96-well plates.

Can I map replicates, controls, and dilution series?

Yes. Multi-well selection and pattern fill help place repeated groups, while the dilution-series control labels sequential concentrations across a selected region.