--- title: "ChemSketch Free & ACD ChemSketch Freeware Alternative | MolDraw" url: https://www.moldraw.com/chemsketch-free description: "ChemSketch free and ACD ChemSketch freeware alternatives. Use MolDraw—a free online chemical structure editor in your browser. No ChemSketch freeware install required." lang: en publisher: Scidart Academy generated: 2026-10-26 --- ## Quick Navigation Is ChemSketch free? What a free editor must do Why try a browser editor How to do it in MolDraw ChemSketch vs MolDraw FAQ [Open free editor](https://www.moldraw.com/) [← ChemSketch overview](https://www.moldraw.com/chemsketch) [ChemSketch download](https://www.moldraw.com/chemsketch-download) [Open MolDraw](https://www.moldraw.com/) # ChemSketch Free & ACD ChemSketch Freeware Alternative Published: 11 Sep 2026 • Updated: 15 Oct 2026 • Author: Scidart Academy • Reading time: ~6 min 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ACD/ChemSketch’s free edition and how it is distributed have changed over the years, so many “free download” pages are out of date or lead to paid versions.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. ![MolDraw browser editor showing the ibuprofen structure, with a Free price tag](https://www.moldraw.com/blog/thumbs/chemsketch-free-alternative.webp) MolDraw is a free chemical structure editor that runs in the browser. **Short answer:** Check the ACD/Labs website for the current ChemSketch terms. If you need to draw a structure now, open MolDraw in your browser. It is free, needs no install, and you do not need an account to draw. MolDraw is a separate app and is not made by ACD/Labs. [Run the free MolDraw editor](https://www.moldraw.com/) [What is ChemSketch?](https://www.moldraw.com/chemsketch) [ChemSketch download page](https://www.moldraw.com/chemsketch-download) ## 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. MolDraw is not ChemSketch and is not affiliated with ACD/Labs. It is an independent free web app from Scidart Academy. ## 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 Nothing to install Open moldraw.com and start drawing. You skip installers and download sites. Works on locked PCs School and lab machines often block installs. A browser editor still works. No account to draw Drawing, 3D viewing and exports are free. Your work saves in your browser. [Start free in MolDraw](https://www.moldraw.com/) ## How to do common tasks in MolDraw ### Draw a structure Open the [editor](https://www.moldraw.com/). 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](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/get-started/how-to-draw-your-first-chemical-structure-in-moldraw/) 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](https://www.moldraw.com/tools/free-chem-tools/name-to-structure.html). ### 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](https://www.moldraw.com/tools/free-chem-tools/smiles-to-iupac-name-converter.html) or the [molecular weight calculator](https://www.moldraw.com/tools/free-chem-tools/molecular-weight-calculator.html). ### 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](https://www.moldraw.com/tools/free-chem-tools/) include converters such as [SMILES to MOL](https://www.moldraw.com/tools/free-chem-tools/smiles-to-mol-converter.html) and [MOL to SMILES](https://www.moldraw.com/tools/free-chem-tools/mol-to-smiles-converter.html). ### 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](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/import-export/how-to-export-png-svg-pdf-mol-and-cdxml-files/) 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](https://www.moldraw.com/tools/free-chem-tools/smiles-to-3d-structure-converter.html). Prefer an app on Windows? See [MolDraw for Windows](https://www.moldraw.com/blog/download-moldraw-windows.html). ## 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. [MolDraw App (Free)](https://www.moldraw.com/) [ChemSketch Overview](https://www.moldraw.com/chemsketch) [ChemSketch Download](https://www.moldraw.com/chemsketch-download) [Free Chemical Drawing Software](https://www.moldraw.com/blog/free-chemical-drawing-software-iupac-guide.html) [ChemDraw Free Alternative](https://www.moldraw.com/blog/chemdraw-vs-moldraw-free-alternative-guide.html) [Free Chemistry Tools](https://www.moldraw.com/tools/free-chem-tools/) [FAQ](https://www.moldraw.com/pages/faq.html)