6 Tools to Make Scientific Figures from Chemical Structures
A figure for a paper, poster or thesis has two parts. The chemistry (structures, reactions, mechanisms) must be correct to the atom. Everything around it (panels, labels, schematics, plots) is layout. Draw the chemistry in a structure editor, then assemble the figure in a figure tool. This page lists six tools for the second step.
Before you start: draw and export the structures
- Draw each molecule or scheme in the MolDraw editor, or the reaction drawer for reactions.
- Run the valence check and confirm the formula and molecular weight.
- Pick one journal style for all structures and export SVG or PDF. The guide to publication-ready figures covers style, size and resolution; exporting PNG, SVG, PDF, MOL and CDXML covers the files.
The six tools at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| LabCanvas | Lab and science figures, from the MolDraw team | See site |
| PowerPoint or Google Slides | Quick figures, posters, talks | Often already installed |
| Inkscape | Full vector editing | Free, open source |
| Adobe Illustrator | Journal-grade vector layout | Subscription |
| BioRender | Biology icons and pathways | Free plan and subscription |
| SciFig | AI-generated layouts and schematics | See site |
1. LabCanvas
LabCanvas is made by the team behind MolDraw, for scientists who need clear lab and science visuals. Structures drawn in MolDraw drop straight in, so the chemistry and the figure stay consistent.
2. PowerPoint or Google Slides
Most people already have one of them. Paste structures as SVG, align panels with the built-in guides, and export the slide as PDF. MolDraw can copy structures as images and SVG for pasting.
3. Inkscape
A free, open-source vector editor. SVG files from MolDraw open as editable shapes, which helps when you need to recolour or annotate a structure.
4. Adobe Illustrator
The usual choice of journal art departments. Place MolDraw PDF or SVG files as linked graphics so updates to a structure carry through.
5. BioRender
Strong on biology icons: cells, proteins, organs and pathways. Useful when a chemistry figure needs a biological context. Check the licence terms of your plan before publishing.
6. SciFig
SciFig generates figure layouts and schematics from a text description, which is a quick way to get a first draft. Bring the structures in from MolDraw; figure generators do not check chemistry.
Checklist before you submit
- Every structure passed the valence check.
- One style everywhere: same bond length, line width and font size.
- Structures are vector, or PNG at 300 dpi or more.
- Editable .moldraw, MOL or CDXML files are saved with the figure.
Still choosing a drawing tool? See our comparison of free ChemDraw alternatives.
Questions
- Can a figure tool draw my chemical structures?
- Not reliably. Figure and illustration tools do not check valence or stereochemistry and do not produce SMILES, InChI or MOL files. Draw structures in a chemical structure editor such as MolDraw and place the exported image in the figure.
- Which file format should I export structures in for a figure?
- SVG or PDF, because they are vector and stay sharp at any size. Use PNG at 300 to 600 dpi only when the figure tool cannot place vector files.
- How do I keep bond lengths the same across panels?
- Draw every structure with one journal style in MolDraw, export at the same scale, and scale every panel by the same amount in the figure tool.
- What is a graphical abstract?
- A single picture that summarises a paper in the journal table of contents, usually a key structure or reaction with a simple visual of the result.