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bedGraph vs bigWig: numeric text and indexed delivery
bedGraph is interval-value text; bigWig is an indexed numeric track.
Which format should you choose?
Consider bedGraph for inspection and processing, bigWig for large remote regional access.
Good fit for bedGraph
Share genomic signal tracks
- Inspect and process values over variable-length intervals
Good fit for bigWig
Deliver large genomic signal datasets
- Read values for selected regions
Basic information
| Field | bedGraph | bigWig |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .bedGraph | .bw, .bigWig |
| MIME type | ||
| Common uses | Share genomic signal tracks | Deliver large genomic signal datasets |
| How to open | Check assembly, chromosome names, coordinates and values with a compatible tool. Distinguish custom-track track/browser lines from analysis rows; confirm header support. | Check reference names, coverage and values with a bigWig-aware tool. Distinguish summaries from underlying interval values; test remote access and partial reads on the actual host. |
| Export or convert | For bigWig creation, sort one track, use nonoverlapping intervals per chromosome and matching chrom.sizes. Remove display headers and verify positions, values and coverage after conversion. | bedGraphToBigWig requires sorted, nonoverlapping intervals and matching chrom.sizes. Remove display headers and compare coordinates, recorded intervals and values. Rebuild from originals after edits. |
Choose by use case
Inspect and process values over variable-length intervals
Share genomic signal tracks
bedGraphRead values for selected regions
Deliver large genomic signal datasets
bigWigKey point 1
bedGraph has chromosome, start, end and value columns.
More on the differencesKey point 2
bigWig readers retrieve interval data or summaries.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Agree on assembly, units, normalization, missing-data semantics and precision. Check reader APIs and hosting, not only size or speed.
- For bedGraphToBigWig, sort one track, resolve overlaps, match chrom.sizes and remove display headers. No start shift is needed for bedGraph-derived intervals.
- Single precision in bigWig may round values; define tolerance. Distinguish unrecorded regions from zero and summary means from underlying values; validate export.
Frequently asked questions
Can I discard the original text after conversion?
No. Exact recovery of decimal notation or display settings is not guaranteed. Retain originals, reference information and creation settings.