There are a number of different software tools available to assist JWST users  as they investigate various proposal options for viability, and ultimately generate a proposal for submission the the JWST Time Allocation process.  This article provides a quick look overview of what is available.

See also: Master list of JWST Proposing Help videos on all topics  

The primary JWST tools needed to support proposal writing include the JWST Exposure Time Calculator  and the Astronomer's Proposal Tool.  However, the JWST project supports a number of other specialized tools that can be great time-savers for those investigating special cases.  These tools typically are used to provide a quick look into parameters such as visibility, sensitivity, or variations in background levels as a function of time.

Additional proposal preparation support tools

• JWST Target Visibility Tools (to obtain information on target visibility windows and available position angles versus time).
  • JWST General Target Visibility Tool Help (GTVT; python command line tool for all JWST instruments; Help article and install notes).
    • Note: A version of GTVT that handles moving targets, the MTVT, is also available.
  • JWST Coronagraphic TVT (CVT, specifically for NIRCam and MIRI coronagraphic modes; Help article and install notes).
    
    
• The JWST Backgrounds Tool provides insight into variations of infrared backgrounds as a function of wavelength and time.
  
  
• The JWST Interactive Sensitivity Tool (JIST) can provide a quick look into feasibility of planned observations prior to in-depth work with the ETC.
  
  
• NIRSpec Observation Visualization Tool (NOVT) provides a simultaneous view of both NIRSpec and NIRCam fields of view on a given sky position, for assistance in planning NIRCam pre-imaging for NIRSpec MOS observations.
  
  
• NIRSpec MSA Spectral Visualization Tool   (MSAViz) allows you to visualize the layout of MOS spectra on the NIRSpec detectors.
  
  
• NIRSpec MSA Planning Tool (MPT) (used within APT, to specify detailed multi-object spectroscopy plans).

Tools for simulating JWST performance

• WebbPSF Tool (Generate accurate point-spread functions for JWST instruments); WebbPSF is used within the ETC to generate PSFs, but certain users may want to investigate further on their own.
  
  
• Mirage is a python code that can be used to generate simulated NIRCam, NIRISS, or FGS imaging data.
  
  
• Awesimsoss simulates scenes generated by the NIRISS Single Object Slitless Spectroscopy mode. (Links outside of JDox.)

External Tools of interest to proposers

The following tools have been developed by external community members, and are not supported directly by STScI.  However, many in the broader community may find them useful, and so we provide links here for visibility and convenience.   

• MIRISIM – can generate imaging, as well as low- and medium-resolution spectroscopic data simulations for MIRI.   These simulated observations can help proposers to better understand the capabilities of the instrument, prepare their own observations, and plan ahead for data analysis.  MIRISIM was developed and is supported by the MIRI consortium.
  
  
• ExoCTK, the Exoplanet Toolkit,  and PandExo, the ETC specifically for exoplanets – These tools, while hosted in the STScI domain, were developed and made available by Natasha Batalha and colleagues.  They are heavily used by the Exoplanet community. 

Help for these tools is not available through the JWST Help Desk since these tools are external to STScI control.