ChemSketch Free & ACD ChemSketch Freeware Alternative
You want to draw molecules without paying for software. ACD/ChemSketch’s free edition and how it is distributed have changed over the years, so many “free download” pages are out of date or lead to paid versions. Here is what to check, and a free option that runs in your browser.
Is ChemSketch free?
ACD/ChemSketch is desktop software from ACD/Labs for drawing chemical structures. People use it to draw molecules for coursework, reports and lab notes.
ChemSketch’s free edition, its terms and the way you get it have changed over time. Pages that promise a “ChemSketch free download” may describe an older version or send you to a paid one. Before you download anything:
- Go to the official ACD/Labs website and check what is offered now, and on what terms.
- Avoid third-party download sites. Their installers can be old, changed, or bundled with other software.
- Check that the version runs on your computer and that its licence covers your use, such as a class, research or commercial work.
What a free alternative must do
Most people who look for ChemSketch need a few basic jobs done. Any free editor you pick should handle them:
- Draw structures: atoms, bonds, rings, charges and wedge bonds for stereochemistry.
- Name and convert: show the name, formula and weight, and move between names, SMILES and chemistry files.
- Export: save images for slides and papers, and files that other chemistry software can open.
- Run where you work: on school and lab computers where you cannot install software.
Why try a browser editor first
How to do common tasks in MolDraw
Draw a structure
Open the editor. Pick an element in the atom palette, a bond type in the left rail, or a ring from the ring bar. Then click the canvas. Click Clean up to tidy the drawing. The guide Draw your first structure walks through phenol step by step.
Start from a name, CAS number or SMILES
Type a name such as caffeine, or a CAS number, in the search box at the top. MolDraw draws the structure from PubChem. To start from SMILES, click Paste SMILES. You can also use the name to structure tool.
Get the name, formula and weight
Select the molecule and click Info. The panel shows the IUPAC name, formula, molecular weight, SMILES and InChI, each with a copy button. Without drawing, you can use the SMILES to IUPAC name converter or the molecular weight calculator.
Convert between formats
Click Copy SMILES to copy your structure as text. Right-click for other formats, such as InChI and MOL. For files you already have, the free chemistry tools include converters such as SMILES to MOL and MOL to SMILES.
Export images and files
Click Download and pick a format. Use SVG or PDF for papers, PNG for slides, and MOL, SDF or CDXML to open your structure in other chemistry software. To keep the whole canvas, click File, then Save. See Download and file formats for the full list.
View the molecule in 3D
The 3D panel builds a model from your drawing. Drag to rotate it. You can also start from SMILES with the SMILES to 3D structure tool.
Prefer an app on Windows? See MolDraw for Windows.
ChemSketch vs MolDraw
ChemSketch details depend on the edition and can change, so confirm them on the ACD/Labs website.
| What you need to know | ACD/ChemSketch | MolDraw |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | ACD/Labs | Scidart Academy (independent) |
| Where it runs | Desktop software; check ACD/Labs for supported systems | A recent Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari, including phones and tablets |
| Cost | Check ACD/Labs for current free and paid terms | Free to draw, view in 3D and export; plugins need a free account |
| Setup | Download and install | Open moldraw.com |
| Name, formula, weight | Depends on the edition; check ACD/Labs | Info panel |
| Export | Depends on the edition; check ACD/Labs | PNG, SVG, PDF, MOL, SDF, CDXML and more |
| Good fit | Courses and labs that already use ChemSketch files and templates | Students, teachers and quick drawings on any computer |
Stay with ChemSketch if your course or lab shares ChemSketch files, or if you need a feature only it has.
FAQ: ChemSketch free
Is there a free version of ChemSketch?
ChemSketch’s free edition and how it is distributed have changed over time. Check the official ACD/Labs website for what is available now. If you need a free editor today, you can use MolDraw in your browser.
Is MolDraw ACD ChemSketch freeware?
No. MolDraw is an independent free web app from Scidart Academy. It is not affiliated with ACD/Labs.
Do I need to install anything to draw molecules?
No. MolDraw runs in your browser. You do not need an account to draw, and your drawings save in your browser.
Can students use MolDraw instead of ChemSketch?
Yes, for most coursework. You can draw structures, check names and formulas, and export images for homework and slides. If your course asks for ChemSketch files, ask your instructor which formats they accept.
Can I open MolDraw drawings in other chemistry software?
Yes. Download MOL or SDF for most chemistry programs, or CDXML for ChemDraw.