How to Use AI Assistant

Step 1: Get a Free Gemini API Key

1

Go to Google AI Studio → API Keys

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.

Remote MCP connector

MolDraw also exposes a hosted MCP server at https://mcp.moldraw.com/mcp. Any MCP client can connect. Users sign in with their MolDraw account. See privacy and security.

Desktop MCP hosts that support .mcpb extensions can install the local bundle from GitHub Releases after it is packed with node apps/mcpb/pack.mjs.

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.

How to Use the AI Assistant