---
title: Desktop app for Windows
url: https://www.moldraw.com/docs/devices/moldraw-desktop-app-for-windows-and-offline-use/
section: Desktop, mobile and troubleshooting
updated: 2026-10-20
publisher: LabCanvas
---

# Desktop app for Windows

> Click Install Windows at the top right of the editor, or open the download page, and run the installer. The desktop app works offline for drawing, cleanup, export and 3D. Sign in, PubChem search and AI chat need internet.

## Install the app

1. In the editor, click **Install Windows** at the top right. In the Educational layout it is in the **⋮** menu. You can also open [Download MolDraw for Windows](https://www.moldraw.com/blog/download-moldraw-windows.html).
2. Run the downloaded setup file.
3. If Windows shows "Windows protected your PC", click **More info**, then **Run anyway**.
4. Open MolDraw from the Start menu or the desktop shortcut.

The installer is for Windows 10 or later, on x64 and ARM64 PCs. Mac and Linux builds are not out yet. On those systems, use the editor in your browser at [moldraw.com](https://www.moldraw.com/).

## What works offline

| Works offline | Needs internet |
|---|---|
| Drawing and editing | Sign in |
| Clean up and 3D clean up | [PubChem search](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/import-export/how-to-search-pubchem-by-name-or-cas-number/) and IUPAC names from PubChem |
| Export to PNG, SVG, PDF, MOL and other formats | [AI chat](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/ai/how-to-use-the-ai-chemistry-assistant/) |
| 3D viewer | Plugins that fetch online data |
| My designs and settings | Community |

When you are offline, an **Offline** note shows in the app. A feature that needs the network tells you it needs an internet connection.

## Updates

The app checks for updates when it starts, every 30 minutes and when the network comes back. When a new version is ready, a note says **A new version of MolDraw is ready**. Click **Reload** to use it now, or dismiss it to apply it next time you open MolDraw.

## Files it opens

The installer links these file types to MolDraw. Double click one in Explorer and it opens in the app.

| Extension | Type |
|---|---|
| `.moldraw` | MolDraw design |
| `.mol`, `.mdl` | MDL Molfile |
| `.sdf` | Structure data file |
| `.cdxml`, `.cdx` | ChemDraw structure |
| `.rxn` | MDL reaction |
| `.smi`, `.smiles` | SMILES |
| `.cml` | Chemical Markup Language |
| `.xyz` | XYZ coordinates |

On x64 Windows, Explorer shows a picture of the structure as the file thumbnail for `.moldraw`, `.mol`, `.sdf`, `.rxn` and `.cdxml` files.

## Save back to the file

Open a `.moldraw` file from Explorer, edit it, and press `Ctrl+S`. The app saves over the same file. A new design asks where to save the first time. **File**, **Save as** uses the normal Windows save dialog for every format. See [Download and file formats](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/import-export/how-to-export-png-svg-pdf-mol-and-cdxml-files/).

## Sign in with Google

Google does not allow sign in inside desktop apps. When you click **Continue with Google**, your web browser opens. Finish there, and the app returns signed in. See [Sign in and accounts](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/account/how-to-sign-in-and-create-a-free-account/).

## Pictures for Word and PowerPoint

PNG, SVG, JPEG and PDF files that MolDraw copies or downloads carry the full design. Paste or open one in MolDraw and the structure comes back editable. See [MolDraw in Word and PowerPoint](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/import-export/how-to-use-moldraw-structures-in-word-and-powerpoint/).

## Tips

- If 3D is slow in the app, update your graphics driver. See [Troubleshooting](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/devices/moldraw-troubleshooting-common-problems/).
- Uninstalling the app keeps your designs and settings on the PC.

## Questions and answers

**Is the MolDraw desktop app free?**
Yes. The Windows app is free, like the web editor.

**Does MolDraw work offline?**
Yes, in the Windows desktop app. Drawing, cleanup, export and 3D work offline. PubChem search, AI chat and sign in need internet.

**Is there a MolDraw app for Mac or Linux?**
Not yet. The top bar says Mac and Linux are coming soon. Use the web editor in your browser until then.

**Can the desktop app open ChemDraw files?**
Yes. It opens CDX and CDXML files, and you can double click them in Explorer.

## Related pages

- [Troubleshooting](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/devices/moldraw-troubleshooting-common-problems/)
- [Download and file formats](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/import-export/how-to-export-png-svg-pdf-mol-and-cdxml-files/)
- [Save and open your work](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/get-started/how-to-save-and-open-chemical-drawings-in-moldraw/)
- [Phone and tablet](https://www.moldraw.com/docs/devices/how-to-use-moldraw-on-a-phone-or-tablet/)