> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://kb.ezbiocloud.net/home/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://kb.ezbiocloud.net/home/protocols/16s-identification/prepare-samples.md).
# Prepare Samples
### Data download options
Uploading your 16S rRNA sequencing data to our private service is a straightforward process, but there are a few steps to ensure everything goes smoothly. First, we must prepare the samples for upload. There are three sample types to choose from.
### Sample Types
Depending on the sequencing machine and settings used, samples will produce different types of files.
#### FASTA
A commonly used text-based format for representing nucleotide or protein sequences, where each sequence is preceded by a single-line description starting with a '>' symbol.
#### AB1
A binary file format from Applied Biosystems DNA sequencers that stores DNA sequencing chromatogram data, including the raw signal intensity and quality scores for each base call.
#### Text
In the style of FASTA format, the text of a 16S rRNA sequence can be directly uploaded.
### How to retrieve 16S rRNA Data
Let's identify your isolate using [your amplicon data](/home/protocols/16s-identification/prepare-samples/private-samples.md) or practice with the [example files](/home/protocols/16s-identification/prepare-samples/public-samples.md), provided.
Private Samples
Locally stored 16S rRNA files in FASTA, AB1, or text format