Please keep in mind that these instructions are for the basic use of the excel-based key, which can be downloaded here. For basic tips in identification using either multi-access key, or for use of the Lucid-based key, instructions can be found here
Using the Microsoft Excel-based Multi-Access Key:
- After downloading the Excel file, open it using any spreadsheet software. For maximum compatibility, Microsoft Excel is the best option. The tips presented below are provided under the assumption that you are using Microsoft Excel to open and use the key.
- Google Sheets (by uploading to google drive) retains the majority of the functionality with only some formatting not crossing over correctly, and one case of data validation for one of the characters (Country of origin) not transferring over. To account for this, simply manually input the country within the zone that the specimen was found in.
- Other open source spreadsheet software is available for use, but hasn't been extensively tested on this key. Depending on the capabilities of the piece of software used, the key may not function as intended.
- On mobile devices (such as a smartphone), there is free software from Microsoft itself that can open and read the key. Download at Google Play and iTunes
- After using the excel-based key, it is recommended that you DO NOT SAVE so that the key reverts back to the starting state upon closing the program. If you accidentally save some changes, you can download another copy of the key.
- In order to input a character state for multi-state characters or binary characters, click on the cell to the right of the character in question. A small drop down arrow should appear next to the cell, and clicking on it will show the options available to be picked.
- For entering in numerical characters, click on the empty cells next to the character you wish to enter information for in. Simply enter in a number and press return/enter. For many of these cells, data validation has been implemented to prevent entering in numbers that are outside the total range for the key for all genera.
- In the event that a character that has been identified as "uncommon", "rare", or "commonly misinterpreted" for a given genus is entered, if those genera have not been eliminated by other inputs they will be marked with an asterisk ("*"). Given that it is not possible to actually indicate which character registered as such from the user interface, it is recommended to pay close attention when inputting characters and make a note of which one causes the asterisk to appear. Furthermore, there are some characters for which there may not be information for, or rather it may be considered "unremarkable" in some way. For example, the default body shape of a snake is cylindrical, and only a few genera deviate from this. These will be marked with a tilde ("~").