MolDraw Learn

How to make publication quality structure figures

Beginner 5 min 3 steps

Short answer: Pick the ACS Document 1996 style in Settings, Style presets. Then download a PDF or SVG for your paper.

You will learn to: Draw a structure; Apply the ACS 1996 style; Export a PDF.

1 Watch demo2 Try in editor

Watch the demo

A journal figure in about 25 seconds.

The steps in text

Step 1: Load aspirin

  1. Click Paste SMILES.
  2. Type CC(=O)Oc1ccccc1C(=O)O and press Enter.

Step 2: Apply ACS 1996 style

  1. Click Settings. Open Style presets.
  2. Click ACS Document 1996. Close Settings.

Step 3: Download a PDF

  1. Click Download.
  2. Click PDF.

Try it in the editor

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

Questions and answers

What is ACS 1996 style?

It is a common journal style for chemical drawings. It fixes bond length, line width and font.

Which file type is best for journals?

Use PDF, SVG or EPS. They stay sharp at any size.

Can I also send a CDXML file?

Yes. Download CDXML if the journal asks for ChemDraw files.

For more detail, read the guide in the docs.