Reading Frame Finder

Find the best reading frame for DNA sequences. Display all three forward frames, highlight stop codons, and identify the longest ORF.

Reading Frames Analysis

What is a Reading Frame?

A reading frame is one of three ways to divide a DNA sequence into codons (triplets). The correct reading frame determines which amino acids are encoded. Finding the right frame is essential for accurate protein translation and ORF identification.

How to Use This Tool

Find the best reading frame in three steps:

  1. Paste your DNA sequence
  2. View all three reading frames with translations
  3. Best frame is highlighted (longest ORF without stops)

When to Use

This tool is useful when you need to:

  • Identify the correct reading frame for unknown sequences
  • Find the longest open reading frame (ORF)
  • Detect frame shifts and stop codons

Example Input

DNA sequence (any length):

ATGTCCAAAGGTGAACTGCAG

Tool will show all 3 reading frames.

Example Output

Three reading frames with translations:

Frame +1: MSKGELQ Frame +2: CPKVNC* Frame +3: VPRVM

Stop codons highlighted, best frame marked.

FAQ

Q: What is the "best" reading frame?
A: The frame with the longest ORF (open reading frame) without stop codons.

Q: Do you show reverse frames?
A: This tool shows forward frames only. Use ORF Finder for all 6 frames.