MolDraw Learn

How to add atoms, elements and formal charges

Beginner 5 min 3 steps

Short answer: Pick an element in the atom palette and click an atom to change it. Use the plus and minus tools to add charges.

You will learn to: Change carbon to O or N; Grow a chain from an atom; Add a positive charge.

1 Watch demo2 Try in editor

Watch the demo

Atoms and charges in about 20 seconds.

The steps in text

Step 1: Draw ethanol

  1. Pick the single bond tool. Click an empty spot to draw one bond.
  2. Click O in the atom palette. Click the left atom.
  3. Click C in the palette. Pick the bond tool again. Click the right atom to add one more carbon.

Step 2: Change O to N

  1. Click N in the atom palette.
  2. Click the O atom.

Step 3: Add a positive charge to N

  1. Pick the + tool in the left rail.
  2. Click the N atom.

Try it in the editor

The full MolDraw editor opens here. It loads when you open this tab.

Questions and answers

How do I change an atom to another element?

Pick the element in the atom palette, then click the atom.

How do I add a charge to an atom?

Pick the plus or minus tool in the left rail and click the atom.

Where is the periodic table?

Click the grid button at the bottom of the atom palette.

For more detail, read the guide in the docs.