4 Tips for iMosflm

28 September 2009

I have a knack for crashing iMosflm, but love its user interface. Here are some tips that should save you time and help you attain the right space group.

Masking the beam stop:
imos mask 4 Tips for iMosflm
1) Select the green box in the image GUI
2) Zoom (using the magnifying glass) left click and drag to desired view
3) Select the arrow and drag the rim of the green circle that appears to your desired size
4) Right click to zoom back out
Note: I often see people using the masking tool (the icon that looks like a mask) for the beam center. The masking tool is best used for the shadow that extends from the beam center.

Selecting Images to Index:
The Grey boxes cannot be selected under the ‘Use’ column
1) Double click on the red circle (under the Search column) and that image will be used in indexing
imos search 4 Tips for iMosflm
Multiple Lattices:
If you suspect multiple lattices this may eliminate a lattice, if it is comprised of weaker reflections.
1) Click on Indexing on the main GUI
2) Adjust the I/sigma cut-off from the default 20 to 40 (or higher): see image for where to adjust
imos sigma 4 Tips for iMosflm
Note: Keep an eye on the number of reflections (want ~400)

Cell Refinement:
Instead of typing in images manually, you can automatically select them
1) Select by clicking on the repeating blue circles
imos cell 4 Tips for iMosflm
2) Select the images that you wish to be included during the cell refinement
imos viscell 4 Tips for iMosflm
Note: You can adjust the view of the selected images are displayed