matchms

Process mass spectrometry spectra and calculate similarity scores with matchms.

Updated Jan 10, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/robinbarvaag/poynt --skill matchms-robinbarvaag
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: matchms
Source: https://github.com/robinbarvaag/poynt/tree/main/.github/skills/matchms
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/robinbarvaag/poynt --skill matchms-robinbarvaag

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires matchms, rdkit, numpy, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill streamlines the complex process of analyzing mass spectrometry data, enabling faster and more accurate identification and characterization of chemical compounds.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Data Import & Export: Load and save spectra from various common formats (mzML, MGF, MSP, JSON).
  • Spectrum Processing: Clean, filter, and standardize spectral data using a wide array of built-in functions.
  • Similarity Analysis: Compare spectra using multiple algorithms (Cosine, Modified Cosine, etc.) to find matches in spectral libraries.
  • Use Case: Identify unknown compounds in a metabolomics experiment by comparing their mass spectra against a reference library, leveraging advanced filtering and similarity scoring for high confidence matches.

Quick Start

Use the matchms skill to load spectra from 'my_spectra.mgf' and calculate cosine similarity against 'library.mgf'.

Frequently Asked Questions about matchms

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I identify unknown compounds from mass spectrometry data?

You can import mass spectrometry spectra from formats like mzML, MGF, MSP, or JSON, apply filtering and standardization functions, and calculate similarity scores against a reference library for compound identification.

What mass spectrometry file formats are supported for importing and exporting spectral data?

Supported mass spectrometry file formats include mzML, MGF, MSP, and JSON. The Skill imports and exports spectral data using these formats to facilitate processing and library matching in metabolomics research.

How do I calculate cosine similarity scores between experimental spectra and a reference library?

You calculate cosine similarity scores by loading experimental spectra and a reference library, then applying similarity analysis algorithms like Cosine or Modified Cosine to compare and match the mass spectrometry data.

Do I need rdkit and numpy to process metabolomics spectra?

Yes, processing metabolomics spectra requires Python libraries including matchms, rdkit, and numpy. These dependencies are essential for spectral manipulation, chemical structure handling, and numerical data analysis.

What is the best way to clean and filter raw mass spectrometry data for library matching?

The best way to clean and filter raw mass spectrometry data is to apply built-in spectrum processing functions, which standardize spectral data to ensure high confidence matches during similarity analysis and library matching.

Does matchms work for proteomics research as well as metabolomics?

Yes, matchms works for proteomics research as well as metabolomics. It processes mass spectrometry data, applies similarity scoring, and facilitates compound identification across both proteomics and metabolomics workflows.