Introduction to MolDraw
Short answer: MolDraw is a free chemical structure editor that runs in your browser. You can draw molecules and reactions, view them in 3D, and export figures for papers and slides.
What you can do with MolDraw#
- Draw molecules, rings and reactions on an open canvas.
- Turn a name, SMILES or CAS number into a structure.
- See the formula, weight and name of what you draw.
- Rotate your molecule in 3D.
- Export PNG, SVG, PDF, MOL, CDXML and more.
- Add plugins for NMR, ChEMBL data and more.
Do you need an account#
You do not need an account to draw. Your work saves in your browser. Sign in when you want plugins, Community posts or cloud features.
Where to start#
- Open the MolDraw editor.
- Follow Draw your first structure.
- Learn the keyboard shortcuts to work faster.
Tip
Every page has a short answer at the top. Read that first if you are in a hurry.
Questions and answers
Is MolDraw free?
Yes. Drawing, 3D viewing and exports are free. You only need a free account for plugins and Community.
Does MolDraw work offline?
The editor runs in your browser. Drawing and saving work without a server. Name lookup, PubChem and AI need the internet.
Which browsers work?
Use a recent Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari. Phones and tablets work too.