pUC19 plasmid map
Explore a small cloning vector.
Sequence: NCBI M77789; features curated by Figran from the sequence
Plasmid Map Maker
FigranOpen a GenBank or SnapGene file and download a labeled plasmid map.
- GenBank, SnapGene and FASTA
- Unique restriction sites
- Free SVG and 300 DPI PNG
Export ▾
Plasmid map examples
Explore vector maps from public sequence records.
pcDNA3.1(+) vector map
View a mammalian expression vector.
Sequence: NCBI MN996867; features curated by Figran from the sequence
pBR322 restriction map
Explore a classic cloning vector.
Sequence: NCBI J01749; features curated by Figran from the sequence
pEGFP-N1 reporter plasmid map
View a fluorescent reporter vector.
Sequence: NCBI U55762; features curated by Figran from the sequence
pBR322 linear map
Inspect the pBR322 sequence along a line.
Sequence: NCBI J01749; features curated by Figran from the sequence
pEGFP-N1 linear map
Inspect a reporter vector along a line.
Sequence: NCBI U55762; features curated by Figran from the sequence
How to draw a plasmid map
Make a map from your own sequence or feature list.
1 Open a file
Open a GenBank, SnapGene or FASTA file, or enter a feature list.
2 Choose features
Select the annotations and colors to show.
3 Choose sites
Choose unique sites or a set of enzymes.
4 Download the map
Download an SVG or 300 DPI PNG for your figure.
How to read a plasmid map
Features, direction and restriction sites describe the construct.
- 1Origin of replication
The sequence where plasmid replication begins.
- 2Selectable marker
A gene used to identify cells carrying the plasmid.
- 3Promoter
A regulatory sequence that starts transcription.
- 4Multiple cloning site
A short region containing multiple restriction sites.
- 5Arrow direction
The arrow points in the direction of the annotated feature.
- 6Positions and length
Tick numbers mark base positions; bp means base pairs.
- 7Restriction site
The number beside an enzyme is its cut position in base pairs.
Circular and linear plasmid maps
OriginMarkerPromoterMCS4,0002,000
See the whole plasmid and its overall organization.
OriginMarkerPromoterMCS2,0004,000
Examine a region or expression cassette in sequence order.
Restriction sites on a plasmid map
| Mode | What is shown |
|---|---|
| Unique sites | Sites that cut once in the complete sequence. |
| Selected enzymes | All occurrences of selected enzymes. |
| Site range start–Site range end | Sites within the chosen range. |
Plasmid map FAQ
How do I make a plasmid map from a GenBank file?
Open a GenBank file to draw its sequence and annotations. You can also paste its contents.
Can I open a SnapGene .dna file without SnapGene?
Yes. Open a .dna file directly to read its sequence, feature names and colors.
My FASTA has no features — what do I get?
You get a map and restriction sites, but no gene arrows. Add features manually or use an annotated GenBank or .dna file.
Which restriction sites are shown by default?
The default shows sites that cut once in the whole sequence and fall within an annotated multiple cloning site. For an unannotated sequence, it shows unique sites across the whole sequence.
How do I read a plasmid map?
Arrows show feature direction, and labels identify elements such as the origin, marker and promoter. Restriction-site numbers give cut positions.
When should I use a linear map instead of a circular one?
Use a linear map to focus on a region or expression cassette; use a circular map for the whole plasmid.
Are the base positions the same as in SnapGene?
Cut positions count the base immediately before the cut, matching the SnapGene convention. For pET-28a, EcoRI is 192 and BamHI is 198.
Can I edit the map in Illustrator or PowerPoint?
Yes. Download SVG to edit its paths and text in Illustrator, Inkscape or PowerPoint. Multiple maps can also be arranged in a multi-panel figure.
Ready to draw your plasmid map?
Open a sequence or enter features to create your figure.