MolDraw Learn

How to sketch structures with Smart Draw

Beginner 4 min 2 steps

Short answer: Smart Draw turns freehand strokes into bonds, rings and labels. Draw cyclohexane here, then sketch it in the full editor.

You will learn to: Know what Smart Draw recognises; Install the Smart Draw plugin; Sketch a ring.

1 Watch demo2 Try in editor

Watch the demo

The ring you will sketch, in about 10 seconds.

The steps in text

Step 1: Place cyclohexane

  1. Click the plain hexagon in the ring bar. Click the canvas.

Step 2: Sketch it with Smart Draw

  1. Open the full editor in a new tab.
  2. Sign in. Click Settings, Plugins, then Install next to Smart Draw.
  3. Pick Smart Draw in the left toolbar.
  4. Sketch a closed six-sided shape. It becomes a ring.
  5. Come back and click

Try it in the editor

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

Questions and answers

What does Smart Draw recognise?

Straight strokes become bonds. Closed shapes become rings. Written letters become atom labels.

Do I need an account?

Yes. Plugins install after you sign in.

For more detail, read the guide in the docs.