> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.panomics.bio/documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.panomics.bio/documentation/samples/sample-lifecycle.md).

# Sample Lifecycle

Samples in Panomics have a predefined lifecycle.

<figure><img src="/files/yxnlgcEE8Rzx5lQJr1Cl" alt=""><figcaption><p>Sample lifecycle</p></figcaption></figure>

<table><thead><tr><th width="184">Status</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>DRAFT</td><td>This is the initial status for each sample that gets imported in Panomics. Samples stay in the <code>DRAFT</code> status until they are sent to the <code>Standard Compute</code> runtime for loading.</td></tr><tr><td>LOADING</td><td>Samples get processed by the <code>Standard Compute</code> runtime. During this time, the samples have the <code>LOADING</code> status. </td></tr><tr><td>ANNOTATING</td><td>This is a checkpoint status, meaning that transitioning away from <code>ANNOTATING</code> requires the "mark as ready" user action. While in this status, sample metadata can be applied either by uploading a file or by editing the metadata fields through the UI.</td></tr><tr><td>SAVING</td><td>When marked as ready, sample data is merged with the metadata via the <code>Standard Compute</code> runtime. </td></tr><tr><td>READY</td><td>Once the metadata is successfully merged with the sample data, samples transition to the <code>READY</code> state and can be used to create analyses. Ready samples can be transitioned back to the <code>ANNOTATING</code> state by users via the "mark as annotating" action.</td></tr><tr><td>FAILED</td><td>Any failure during the loading or saving processes transitions the sample to the <code>FAILED</code> status. Failed samples can only be deleted.</td></tr></tbody></table>