URL parameters and deep links
Short answer: 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#
- Copy the SMILES of your structure. Use Copy SMILES in the editor. See copy and paste SMILES.
- URL encode it. Characters like
#,=and+must be encoded (%23,%3D,%2B). - Add it after
https://www.moldraw.com/?smiles=. - 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 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. See embed MolDraw and 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.
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.
Links from AI agents#
When an AI agent works in MolDraw through the MCP connector, 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 or the SMILES notation guide.
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 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.
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