--- title: URL parameters and deep links url: https://www.moldraw.com/docs/developers/moldraw-url-parameters-and-deep-links/ section: Embed and developer tools updated: 2026-10-20 publisher: LabCanvas --- # URL parameters and deep links > Add a query to the MolDraw address to open the editor with a structure drawn, for example https://www.moldraw.com/?smiles=CCN(CC)CC. Other parameters load a reaction, a molfile, an InChI or a template. Some start a guided tour, a tutorial video or sign in. Deep links let you share a structure, a reaction or a lesson in one click. The structure parameters work on the editor address, `https://www.moldraw.com/`. ## Make a structure link 1. Copy the SMILES of your structure. Use **Copy SMILES** in the editor. See [copy and paste SMILES](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/import-export/how-to-copy-and-paste-smiles-inchi-and-mol/). 2. URL encode it. Characters like `#`, `=` and `+` must be encoded (`%23`, `%3D`, `%2B`). 3. Add it after `https://www.moldraw.com/?smiles=`. 4. Open the link. The editor starts with that structure on an empty canvas. The link does not replace the reader's saved designs. Their last design stays in **My designs**. ## Structure parameters | Parameter | Value | Example | | --- | --- | --- | | `smiles` | A SMILES string | `/?smiles=CC(C)Cc1ccc(cc1)C(C)C(O)=O` | | `reaction` | Reaction SMILES with `>>` between reactants and products | `/?reaction=C%3DO.C%5BMg%5DBr%3E%3ECCO` | | `mol` | A molfile (also read as `molfile` or `sdf`) | Use the hash for long files | | `cdxml` | ChemDraw CDXML text | | | `inchi` | An InChI string | `/?inchi=InChI%3D1S%2FCH4%2Fh1H4` | | `template` | The id of a Templates panel scheme | `/?template=claisen-condensation` | Each structure parameter also works after `#` instead of `?`, for example `https://www.moldraw.com/#mol=...`. The part after `#` is never sent to the server, so use it for long molfiles. If a link has several structure parameters, `reaction` wins, then `mol`, `cdxml`, `inchi` and `smiles`. A reaction link draws the reactants, an arrow and the products. A template link draws the named reaction or mechanism as an editable scheme. If the id is unknown you see *Template "..." was not found*. The [named reaction pages](https://www.moldraw.com/reaction/baeyer-villiger-oxidation/) use template links for their **Open full mechanism in MolDraw** buttons. ## Learning and help parameters | Parameter | Value | What it does | | --- | --- | --- | | `tour` | A demo id, for example `turn-on-grid` | Runs a guided tour in the real editor. It rings each control and waits for the reader. | | `tutorial` | An 11 character YouTube video id | Opens a floating tutorial video over the editor. Drag it, collapse it or close it. | | `t` | Seconds, used with `tutorial` | Starts the video at that time. | Demo ids come from the [demo gallery](https://www.moldraw.com/demos/). See [embed MolDraw and demos](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/developers/how-to-embed-moldraw-and-interactive-demos/). ## Account parameters | Parameter | What it does | | --- | --- | | `signin=1` | Opens the sign in window | | `signup=1` | Opens the create account window | | `pro=waitlist` | Opens the Founding Lifetime License offer | See [sign in and create a free account](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/account/how-to-sign-in-and-create-a-free-account/). ## Page addresses | Address | Opens | | --- | --- | | `/` | The editor in English | | `/de/`, `/es/`, `/fr/`, `/ja/`, `/zh/` and others | The editor in that language | | `/my` | My designs | | `/embed` | The editor for an iframe on your own site | A language the reader picked in the app wins over the address. See [change the language](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/settings/how-to-change-the-language-of-moldraw/). ## Links from AI agents When an AI agent works in MolDraw through the [MCP connector](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/developers/connect-ai-agents-to-moldraw-with-mcp/), it can return an **open in MolDraw** link. That link carries a share token and opens the agent's structure in the editor. These links expire with the agent's working structure. ## Tips - Test a link in a private window. You then see what a new visitor sees. - Put structure links in slides, worksheets and chat messages. Readers get an editable structure, not a picture. - To make a SMILES from a name first, use the [name to structure tool](https://www.moldraw.com/tools/free-chem-tools/name-to-structure.html) or the [SMILES notation guide](https://www.moldraw.com/tools/free-chem-tools/smiles-notation-guide.html). ## Common problems | Symptom | Fix | | --- | --- | | The link opens an empty canvas | The SMILES was not encoded. Encode `#`, `+` and `=`. | | Only part of a molfile arrives | The address was too long for the server. Put the molfile after `#` instead of `?`. | | The structure looks wrong | Check the SMILES in [Paste SMILES](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/import-export/how-to-copy-and-paste-smiles-inchi-and-mol/) first. | ## Questions and answers **How do I open MolDraw with a SMILES already drawn?** Add ?smiles= and the URL encoded SMILES to https://www.moldraw.com/. The editor opens with that structure. **Can I link to a reaction in MolDraw?** Yes. Use ?reaction= with a reaction SMILES such as CC=O.N>>CC=N, URL encoded. MolDraw draws reactants, arrow and products. **Does a SMILES link overwrite my saved drawing?** No. The link opens on an empty canvas. Your earlier designs stay in My designs. **How do I share a molfile in a link?** Put it after #mol= instead of ?mol=. The hash part is not sent to the server, so long files fit. ## Related pages - [Copy and paste SMILES](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/import-export/how-to-copy-and-paste-smiles-inchi-and-mol/) - [Embed MolDraw and demos](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/developers/how-to-embed-moldraw-and-interactive-demos/) - [Templates panel](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/library/how-to-use-mechanism-and-reaction-setup-templates/) - [MolScript](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/developers/molscript-language-for-reactions-and-mechanisms/)