How to Turn On the Grid in MolDraw
A background grid makes it easier to line up rings, chains, reaction arrows and labels. In MolDraw it takes one click. Watch the demo below, or use the steps under it. Press Pause or the arrows to go at your own pace, or press Try it yourself to do the same steps in the real editor.
Way 1: the grid button (computer)
- Open the MolDraw editor.
- In the top bar, next to the theme switch, find the grid button. Its tooltip says Show canvas grid.
- Click it. A light grid appears behind your drawing. Click it again to hide the grid.
Way 2: Settings (computer, phone and tablet)
- Click the gear in the toolbar to open Settings. On a phone or tablet, tap the gear at the top.
- In General, find the Canvas group.
- Switch on Show grid. The top-bar button and this switch are the same setting.
Snap to grid
In the same Canvas group, switch on Snap to grid. Molecules and reaction arrows you drag then land on the grid, so schemes line up neatly. Hold Shift while dragging to move something freely.
Way 3: the command palette
- Press Ctrl + K (⌘ + K on a Mac).
- Type grid.
- Press Enter on Show or hide grid.
The grid is only a guide on the canvas. Exported PNG, SVG and PDF files, and copies you paste into Word or PowerPoint, stay clean.
Questions
- Does MolDraw remember the grid setting?
- Yes. It is saved in your browser and applies the next time you open MolDraw.
- How do I turn on the grid on a phone or tablet?
- Tap the gear at the top to open Settings, then switch on Show grid under Canvas. The top-bar grid button is on larger screens only. The demo above shows the phone steps when you open this page on a phone or tablet.