X-ray Detector Software for processing single-crystal monochromatic diffraction data recorded by the rotation method: Developed and maintained by Wolfgang Kabsch, with core contributions from Kay Diederichs, XDS is the one of the gold standards for MX data processing. To guarantee its long-term availability, DECTRIS has entered an exclusive licensing agreement with Max Planck Innovation, Wolfgang Kabsch, and Kay Diederichs to steward, distribute, and support the software for the decades ahead.
- Free and unlimited academic use
- No time limitation or version expiration
- Used for >50% PDB structures from synchrotron MX data
How can I use XDS?
Download & Run
XDS runs on most Linux and MacOS distributions. To obtain XDS, simply request your download link below, unpack the software and run. Commercial users can obtain a yearly license from DECTRIS.
Run online via DECTRIS CLOUD
Use XDS in your browser with no installation, no environment maintenance and ready-to-run XDS templates, inlcuding automated visualization of results. The free academic tier of DECTRIS CLOUD includes up to 100 free XDS runs per month.
How to ensure XDS produces consistent results?
We believe that cross-version verification is one of the most rigorous reproducibility tests available for experimental data processing today.
For the first time, users of XDS can verify the consistency and reliability of data processing results over current and past software versions. DECTRIS CLOUD hosts stable, prepackaged XDS releases alongside 50+ reference datasets, so anyone can inspect the software's behavior in detail accross different beamlines, detector types, sample systems, and data foramts.
This work has been guided and enabled by Gleb Bourenkov, Gerard Bricogne, Ashwin Chari, Kay Diederichs, Wolfgang Kabsch, and Clemens Vonrhein.
Explore Version Stability of XDS
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Does an XDS license expire?
No. Going forward all new XDS releases from DECTRIS can be used for an indefinite period - there are no time limitations or restrictions for both academic and proprietary users.
Is XDS free to use?
For academic users, XDS is free to use for an unlimited period. DECTRIS is bound by contract with Max Planck Innovation to ensure that XDS remains freely available to the academic community for a minimum of 10 years. Commercial users must acquire a yearly subscription license from xds@dectris.com. However, both academic and proprietary users share the identical executable files.
Do I need to download a new license with every release?
No. XDS does not require a license file, serial numbers, license keys, etc. All you need is to download the latest version of XDS and run it. It is up to you how often you want to update XDS.
Is there a difference between the academic and commercial version of XDS?
No. Both academic and commercial users must use the same files and binaries - there is no diference in functionality.
As a beamline hosting industrial users, do I need to buy a license?
No. If your customers own a valid license of XDS, you do NOT need to own a commercial license. In case you have questions, please contact us at xds@dectris.com.
How can I check if my beamline customers have a valid XDS license?
Due to the striking differences in global data privacy laws, we are not allowed to share customer information with third parties. We trust you and your customers in ensuring that XDS is used according to our terms of use.
What is the lifetime of academic and commercial licenses?
Any new XDS version can be used for an indefinite amount - there is no expiry date. Commercial licenses are on a yearly subscription basis.
Who can I contact for technical and commercial issues?
For technical requests, contact us at xds-support@dectris.com. For commercial questions regarding licensing or detailed commercial conditions contact us at xds@dectris.com.
