> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.connected.illumina.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.connected.illumina.com/dragen/dragen-v4.6/getting-started/quickstart/platform-core.md).

# Platform Core

Platform Core runs FPGA-accelerated DRAGEN for you. Choose a pipeline in an app, point it at data, and start an analysis — or run the same pipelines from the CLI or API. No infrastructure to manage.

This is the fastest way to a first DRAGEN result, and the best starting point if you are new to DRAGEN. You do not need your own data for a first run, because the DRAGEN bundle ships with demo data.

## Before you start

| You need                                      | Notes                                                                                                                                    |
| --------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| A platform domain with an active subscription | A free trial works. See [Start on Illumina BioInsight Platform](/dragen/dragen-v4.6/getting-started/quickstart/platform-deployments.md). |
| Data, or the demo data                        | Your own FASTQ, ORA, BAM, or CRAM files, or the demo data from the DRAGEN Demo Bundle.                                                   |

## Run your first analysis

The steps below are the short version. For the full walkthrough with screenshots, see the tutorials linked under [Follow a detailed tutorial](#follow-a-detailed-tutorial).

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## Sign in and open a project

Sign in at [Platform Core](https://ica.illumina.com). Create a project, or open one your team already uses. A project holds your data, your analyses, and your results.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Link the DRAGEN Demo Bundle

Pipelines only appear in a project after you link a bundle that contains them. The DRAGEN Demo Bundle comes with DRAGEN pipelines, references, and demo data - we'll use it here.

In **Projects > your\_project > Project settings > Details**, select **Edit**, then select **+** under **Linked bundles**. Choose the DRAGEN Demo Bundle, select **Link**, and save.

For the same steps with screenshots, see [Linking an Entitled Bundle](https://help.ica.illumina.com/tutorials/end-to-end-1#linking-an-entitled-bundle).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Start an analysis

Go to **Projects > your\_project > Flow > Pipelines** and select the DRAGEN pipeline you want, such as `DRAGEN_Germline_Whole_Genome`.

Select **Start analysis**, enter a **User Reference** to name the run, then pick a **Subscription** from the **Pricing** drop-down.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Configure inputs

Choose your **Input Type**, then select your files. For a first run, use the demo data the bundle placed under **Projects > your\_project > Data**.

Pick a **Reference** from the drop-down. The default suits most human runs. Defaults for the remaining options are a good starting point.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Launch and monitor

Select **Start analysis**. Track progress under **Projects > your\_project > Flow > Analyses**.

The **Details** tab shows your configuration, and the **Steps** tab holds the logs if something fails.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Review the results

Open the finished analysis. The **Report** tab shows an interactive summary with mapping, coverage, and variant metrics. The **Output files** tab lists everything the run produced.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Follow a detailed tutorial

Platform Core documentation carries the full tutorials, including screenshots, the `icav2` command line equivalent, and debugging guidance:

* [Launching a DRAGEN Pipeline](https://help.ica.illumina.com/tutorials/launching-a-dragen-pipeline) walks through launching, monitoring, and debugging a DRAGEN pipeline in the interface and from the CLI.
* [End-to-End User Flow: DRAGEN Analysis](https://help.ica.illumina.com/tutorials/end-to-end-1) covers the whole path, from linking a bundle to viewing outputs, using demo data.

## What a run costs

Platform Core charges cover both DRAGEN informatics licensing and the compute instance you select. Charges draw from your BioInsight Credit balance.

See [BioInsight Platform Licensing](/dragen/dragen-v4.6/reference/licensing/api_key_licensing.md) and [Platform Core Pricing](https://help.ica.illumina.com/reference/r-pricing).

## Confirm success

When the analysis finishes, open it and select the **Report** tab to see mapping, coverage, and variant metrics. The **Output files** tab lists everything the run produced.

## Next steps

For help, see [Support](/dragen/dragen-v4.6/reference/technical-assistance.md).


---

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