---
title: Sign in and accounts
url: https://www.moldraw.com/docs/account/how-to-sign-in-and-create-a-free-account/
section: Account, designs and community
updated: 2026-10-20
publisher: LabCanvas
---

# Sign in and accounts

> Click Sign in at the top right, then choose Continue with Google or type your email and password. To make a new account, click Sign up free. Accounts are free. You need one for plugins and Community posts, not for drawing.

## Create a free account

1. Click **Sign up free** at the top right of the editor.
2. Click **Sign up with Google**, or fill in the form.
3. For email sign up, type your **Email** and a **Password** of at least 6 characters.
4. Pick your **Designation**, such as Student, Researcher or Educator. **Institute name** is optional.
5. Click **Create account**.
6. Open the link in the email MolDraw sends you. Then sign in.

Use a personal email you will keep, such as Gmail. A school email may stop working when you leave.

If you sign up with Google, MolDraw asks for your designation once. Click **Save and continue**.

## Sign in

1. Click **Sign in** at the top right.
2. Click **Continue with Google**, or type your email and password and click **Sign in**.

In the Educational layout, **Sign in** is at the right of the top row. On a phone, open the **⋮** menu. See [Phone and tablet](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/devices/how-to-use-moldraw-on-a-phone-or-tablet/).

## What needs an account

| Feature | Without an account | With an account |
|---|---|---|
| Draw, edit, analyze and export | Yes | Yes |
| [My designs](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/account/how-to-manage-my-designs-and-document-tabs/) and autosave in this browser | Yes | Yes |
| [Search PubChem](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/import-export/how-to-search-pubchem-by-name-or-cas-number/), 3D viewer | Yes | Yes |
| [AI assistant](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/ai/how-to-use-the-ai-chemistry-assistant/) with your own API key | Yes | Yes |
| Install [plugins](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/plugins/moldraw-plugins-overview-and-how-to-install/) | No | Yes |
| Post, reply, vote and upload images in [Community](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/account/how-to-use-community-profile-and-dashboard/) | Read only | Yes |
| Dashboard and profile | No | Yes |

## The account menu

After you sign in, your avatar shows at the top right. Click it to open the account menu:

- **Edit profile & avatar**, **My designs**, **Dashboard**, **Account settings** and **Community**.
- **Theme** and **Language** controls.
- **Settings**, **Keyboard shortcuts** and **What's new**.
- **Sign out**.

## Sign out

Click your avatar, then **Sign out**. On a phone, open the **⋮** menu and tap **Sign out** next to your name. Your drawings stay in this browser after you sign out.

## Forgot your password

1. Click **Sign in**, then the **Forgot password** link under the password field.
2. Type your email and click **Send reset link**.
3. Open the link in the email and choose a new password.

You can also click **Reset password** in the Dashboard, **Profile** tab.

## Delete your account

Open **Dashboard**, **Profile**. Under **Danger zone**, click **Delete account**. Type your email and the word `DELETE`, then click **Delete my account**. This removes your sign in, profile, community posts and feature requests. It cannot be undone. Drawings in your browser are not touched.

## Common problems

| Symptom | Fix |
|---|---|
| No verification email | Wait a minute, then check spam or promotions. Click **Resend verification email**. |
| Google sign in in the desktop app opens a browser | This is normal. Finish in the browser and MolDraw returns signed in. See [Desktop app](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/devices/moldraw-desktop-app-for-windows-and-offline-use/). |
| Plugins show a **Sign in** button | Sign in, then open Settings, Plugins again. |

## Questions and answers

**Is a MolDraw account free?**
Yes. Accounts are free. MolDraw stays free to use without an account too.

**Can I sign in to MolDraw with Google?**
Yes. Click Sign in, then Continue with Google. MolDraw gets your name and email, not your Gmail or Drive.

**How do I delete my MolDraw account?**
Open Dashboard, Profile, then Delete account under Danger zone. Type your email and DELETE to confirm.

**What happens to my drawings when I sign out?**
They stay in this browser. Signing out only ends your session for plugins and Community.

## Practice it

- Interactive lesson: [How to use Community, Dashboard and your profile](https://www.moldraw.com/learn/how-to-use-community-dashboard-and-profile/)

## Related pages

- [Community and dashboard](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/account/how-to-use-community-profile-and-dashboard/)
- [Designs and tabs](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/account/how-to-manage-my-designs-and-document-tabs/)
- [Privacy and storage](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/devices/privacy-and-where-your-drawings-are-stored/)