Application-based, light-guided manual pipetting system WellAware is provided for forensic, life science, pharmaceutical and preclinical labs. The software-based system uses voice, light, time and text cues to guide the operator through every step of a pipetting protocol, eliminating errors, increasing productivity, and reducing stress. The unit works with single and multi-channel pipettors and barcoded and non-barcoded microplates, micro-tubes, and liquid reservoirs. An interactive, graphic interface allows easy protocol setup for techniques such as PCR, DNA sequencing, genotyping, microplate transpositions, dilutions, normalizations, microplate reformatting, cherry-picking and more. The instrument integrates with any Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).