flowio

Parse FCS files into NumPy arrays and extract metadata.

1|Updated Mar 19, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/JosephWoodall/noosphere --skill flowio-josephwoodall
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: flowio
Source: https://github.com/JosephWoodall/noosphere/tree/main/.agent/skills/flowio
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/JosephWoodall/noosphere --skill flowio-josephwoodall

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

FlowIO provides a lightweight Python library for reading and writing Flow Cytometry Standard (FCS) files. Parse FCS metadata, extract event data, and create new FCS files with minimal dependencies. The library supports FCS versions 2.0, 3.0, and 3.1, making it ideal for backend services, data pipelines, and basic cytometry file operations.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Read FCS files (versions 2.0, 3.0, 3.1) and access event data as NumPy arrays.
  • Extract and inspect metadata (TEXT segment keywords) and channel information.
  • Convert events to CSV/DataFrame for downstream analysis and create new FCS files with minimal dependencies.
  • Support multi-dataset FCS files and basic preprocessing workflows.

Quick Start

Load an FCS file with FlowIO and obtain the events as a NumPy array.

Frequently Asked Questions about flowio

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I parse FCS files and extract event data as NumPy arrays?

FlowIO parses Flow Cytometry Standard (FCS) files and exposes event data directly as NumPy arrays. It supports FCS versions 2.0, 3.0, and 3.1, enabling metadata extraction and channel reading for Python data pipelines.

Can I convert FCS event data to CSV or DataFrame formats for downstream analysis?

Yes, you can convert FCS event data to CSV or DataFrame formats. FlowIO enables extraction of event data and metadata, facilitating conversion for downstream analysis in research workflows and backend services.

Does FlowIO support older Flow Cytometry Standard versions like FCS 2.0?

FlowIO supports FCS versions 2.0, 3.0, and 3.1. This broad compatibility makes it ideal for basic cytometry file operations and data pipelines handling legacy or recent Flow Cytometry Standard files.

What is the best way to read and write FCS metadata in a Python data pipeline?

The best way to read and write FCS metadata in Python is using FlowIO, a lightweight library. It extracts TEXT segment keywords and channel information while allowing creation of new FCS files with minimal dependencies.

How do I extract metadata and channel information from multi-dataset FCS files?

FlowIO extracts metadata and channel information from multi-dataset FCS files. It parses the TEXT segment keywords and provides utilities to read, write, and preprocess FCS data in Python for cytometry research workflows.

Why use a lightweight Python library for FCS data extraction instead of other tools?

Use a lightweight Python library for FCS data extraction to access event data as NumPy arrays with minimal dependencies. FlowIO provides basic preprocessing utilities and metadata extraction without heavy framework requirements.