Spectral processing and comparison

MSMS-Chooser

A GNPS workflow for automatically selecting candidate reference MS/MS spectra from LC-MS data of known standards using supplied molecular structures and expected precursor masses.

LC-MSDirect-infusion MSTargeted metabolomicsMetabolite profilingWeb application

Overview

MSMS-Chooser extracts candidate reference tandem mass spectra from measurements of known standards. A submission table connects files to molecular structures and expected precursor information; the GNPS workflow finds candidate scans for subsequent inspection. Its role is reference-spectrum preparation. The identity and purity of the starting material, precursor assignment and spectrum quality still require curator review before library deposition.

Also known as: MS/MS-Chooser

What can this tool do?

Reference-spectrum selectionMS/MS processing

Common uses

  • Select MS/MS spectra corresponding to known standards from open-format data.
  • Prepare candidate reference spectra for validation and library contribution.
  • Link the selected spectrum back to its source standard and acquisition metadata before library submission.

Scientific fit

Primary function

Spectral processing and comparison

Other functions

Metabolite annotation and identification

Analysis types

Targeted metabolomics, Metabolite profiling

MS level

MS/MS

Acquisition

Targeted MS/MS, Flow injection, Data-dependent acquisition (DDA)

Ion mobility

Ion mobility not required

Data compatibility

Inputs

Mass spectra, Molecular structures

Outputs

Mass spectra, Human-readable report

Input formats

mzML, mzXML, CSV or TSV, SMILES or InChI

Output formats

CSV or TSV

Scope and considerations

Designed for

  • Extracting candidate reference MS/MS scans when structures or formulas of standards are known.

Not designed for

  • Untargeted identification of unknown compounds without prior standard information.

Important requirements

  • Open-format mzML or mzXML data plus the MSMS-Chooser submission template.

Considerations

  • Automated selections should be visually reviewed and validated before use as reference spectra.
  • Inspect precursor/adduct assignment and potential co-isolation or contamination before accepting a scan as a reference spectrum.

Access and documentation

Hosted access and any account or usage requirements should be checked at the linked service. Access to a web service does not establish the license of its code or reference data.

Evidence and review

Documentation-based editorial pass on 6 September 2026: scope, interpretation limits and practical use reviewed against the linked official documentation and cited literature. Software execution, service availability and developer verification were not assessed. The official workflow documentation is the direct reference. No dedicated methods paper was identified in this pass; cite the GNPS platform and workflow details as applicable.

No dedicated scholarly publication is listed. Follow the official documentation and resource-specific citation guidance.

Related tools

Entry history

Changes to this catalogue entry, not the tool's software release history. Acceptance and editorial review are separate.

  1. 2026-09-07 · Entry update

    Expand and document 31 metabolomics tools and resources

    View change · Entry at this revision
  2. 2026-08-24 · Entry update

    Apply v5.2 pre-population hardening

    View change · Entry at this revision
  3. 2026-08-21 · First committed entry

    Add files via upload

    View change · Entry at this revision

Full GitHub history