> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/miscellaneous/pilus.md).

# Pilus

*Pilus* is an open-source Python package that turns your BactoBox® data files into something you can load, analyze, and plot. It reads the binary formats your BactoBox® produces — [BDR file](/software/file-formats/bdr-file.md) and [IQS file](/software/file-formats/iqs-file.md) — and converts them to friendlier formats such as *summary.csv*.

{% hint style="info" %}

## Power user feature 🥊

This feature is for BactoBox® power users. Use this feature for added value with your BactoBox®, though it's optional for regular use.
{% endhint %}

## Install

*Pilus* uses [`uv`](https://docs.astral.sh/uv/) to manage dependencies. Once you have `uv`, install *Pilus* and its dependencies:

```shell
uv sync --all-extras
```

## Convert a BDR file to CSV

```shell
uv run pilus convert measure-bb2221028-A02.bdr measure-bb2221028-A02.csv
```

{% hint style="info" %}
Find the source code, full instructions, and more examples on [GitHub](https://github.com/sbtinstruments/pilus). *Pilus* is released under the [MIT License](https://opensource.org/license/mit).
{% endhint %}


---

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