Load Data
Select Files
Drop your files here or click to browse. Files are automatically classified by extension: .nwk/.newick/.tree as Tree, .csv/.tsv as Metadata. You can manually change the file type using the dropdown.
Privacy: Your data remains on your computer and is never uploaded to any server. All processing happens locally in your browser.
Drag & drop files here or click to browse
How to Use Kronos
Overview
Kronos is an interactive tool for visualizing phylogenetic trees alongside metadata. Explore relationships between samples, color nodes by metadata fields, and analyze your data with powerful search and filtering capabilities.
Loading Data
Click Load Data to upload your own files:
- Tree files: .nwk, .newick, .tree (Newick format)
- Metadata files: .csv, .tsv (tabular format)
All data processing happens locally in your browser - your files are never uploaded to any server.
Phylogenetic Tree
Renderers: Choose between Simple SVG (fast, basic) or Phylocanvas.gl (advanced, feature-rich).
Phylocanvas.gl Features:
- Layout: Switch between rectangular, circular, radial, diagonal, and hierarchical tree layouts
- Node & Label Controls: Adjust node size, label size, and toggle branch length display
- Metadata Blocks: Display metadata as colored blocks next to tree tips
- Tooltips: Hover over nodes to see metadata (customize visible fields in Tooltip menu)
- Context Menu: Right-click on nodes to collapse/expand subtrees or zoom to specific nodes
Metadata Table
- Sort: Click column headers to sort ascending/descending
- Select: Click rows to select and highlight corresponding tree nodes
- Label Field: Right-click or Shift+click column headers to set the field used for matching tree tips to metadata rows (indicated by 🏷️)
- Multi-select: Hold Ctrl/Cmd while clicking to select multiple rows
Color by Metadata
In the header, use the color controls to:
- Enable coloring with the toggle
- Select a metadata field to color by
- Choose a color palette (click the palette button)
Colors are synchronized between tree nodes and metadata blocks for consistent visualization.
Search & Filter
Use the search bar to find tree tips and metadata rows:
- Basic: Enter text to find matches (e.g., "Sample_001")
- OR Operator: "UK OR USA" finds rows with either term
- AND Operator: "UK AND Sensitive" finds rows with both terms
Search looks across all metadata columns and tree tip labels (case-insensitive).
Keyboard Shortcuts
- Esc: Clear search
- Shift+Click: Set column as label field
- Ctrl/Cmd+Click: Multi-select rows
About Kronos
In Greek mythology, Kronos (Cronus) is the god of time. He's often associated with the passage and measurement of time, which aligns metaphorically with evolutionary history—the "timeline" of life.
Phylogenetic trees depict evolutionary relationships over time, so the reference to Kronos emphasizes the temporal aspect of evolution.
Design: The Kronos name and logo were created by Inês Mendes.
Third-Party Libraries
This application uses Phylocanvas.gl, an open-source phylogenetic tree visualization library.
Phylocanvas.gl is licensed under the MIT License.
Copyright (c) Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance
View MIT License
© 2025 Theiagen Genomics • Built for public health with ❤️
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