Volume 1 is composed of detailed protocols for the preparation and optimization of crystals, including tips from the experts on the best methods for inducing proteins to adopt their crystalline form. Volume 2 complements the first volume by addressing laboratory techniques for crystal handling and structural characterization, as well as computational techniques for data collection, phasing, and refinement. The volume concludes with a detailed and insightful survey of available crystallographic software. These volumes will be an indispensable reference for obtaining macromolecular crystals and determining their three-dimensional structure.