MolDraw Learn

How to turn a name or SMILES into a structure

Beginner 4 min 3 steps

Short answer: Click Paste SMILES and type a SMILES string, or type a name in the PubChem search box. MolDraw draws the structure for you.

You will learn to: Paste a SMILES string; Search a name in PubChem; Copy SMILES from your drawing.

1 Watch demo2 Try in editor

Watch the demo

From text to structure in about 20 seconds.

The steps in text

Step 1: Paste the SMILES of caffeine

  1. Click Paste SMILES in the top row.
  2. Type CN1C=NC2=C1C(=O)N(C(=O)N2C)C and press Enter.

Step 2: Search aspirin by name

  1. Click Clear canvas.
  2. Click the PubChem search box at the top. Type aspirin and press Enter.

Step 3: Copy the SMILES

  1. Click Copy SMILES in the top row.

Try it in the editor

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

Questions and answers

Can I paste a SMILES string?

Yes. Click Paste SMILES in the editor and type or paste the text.

Can I search by name?

Yes. Type a name or CAS number in the PubChem box at the top.

How do I copy SMILES?

Click Copy SMILES in the top row.

For more detail, read the guide in the docs.