MolDraw AI
How to Use the AI Assistant
Draw, name, and explore molecules using Google Gemini — right inside MolDraw.
← Back to MolDraw
Step 1: Get a Free Gemini API Key
2
Sign in with your Google account.
3
Click "Create API key" and copy the key (starts with AIza...).
The Gemini API has a generous free tier — plenty for everyday use in MolDraw.
Step 2: Paste the Key in MolDraw
1
Open MolDraw and click the AI button (bottom-right of the 3D viewer).
2
Click the ⚙ gear icon in the chat header.
3
Paste your API key and click Save. It's stored locally in your browser — never sent anywhere except Google's API.
Step 3: Start Using It!
Type commands in the chat box. The AI can control the canvas and answer chemistry questions.
Draw molecules by name
You: draw aspirin
AI: Draws the aspirin structure on the canvas.
Name the current structure
You: what is this molecule?
AI: Tells you the IUPAC name and common name.
Show reactions
You: show Fischer esterification of acetic acid and ethanol
AI: Draws the reaction on the canvas.
Add structures without clearing
You: also add caffeine
AI: Adds caffeine alongside existing structures.
Ask about properties
You: what is the molecular weight of this?
AI: Calculates and tells you.
Clear the canvas
You: clear the canvas
AI: Clears everything.
Tips
- The AI reads the current structure on the canvas (SMILES), so it always knows what you're working on.
- Press Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line.
- Your API key is saved in your browser's local storage. Clear it anytime via the ⚙ menu.
- Powered by Gemini 2.5 Flash for fast responses.