The journal was launched in June 2006 and the content includes both classical methods and cutting-edge techniques relevant to the study of biological problems.

Initially, all "Nature Protocols" were commissioned by editors, but it is now possible for authors to upload pre-submission enquiries.

It is an open-access, online resource that allows researchers to share their detailed experimental know-how.

All uploaded protocols are made freely available, assigned DOIs for ease of citation and fully searchable through nature.com.

These protocols are not further styled, peer-reviewed or copy edited, but posted live soon after submission.