Abstract: The invention relates to a method to assist with the manual preparation of a sample support for ionization with matrix-assisted laser desorption where a sample support with sample sites is provided, a selected sample site is highlighted in a way which can be perceived by the human eye at least with respect to neighboring, not selected sample sites, a sample is manually deposited on the selected and highlighted sample site, and the deposition state of at least the selected and highlighted sample site is determined. The method enables the sample preparation and sample analysis to be made more efficient and more certain.