Avogadro is a powerful program for drawing and visualizing 3D molecular structures. By using the elements of the periodic table and other tools, you can create single, double, or triple bonds with different colored elements such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and more.
The utility also includes predefined molecular structures like DNA, RNA, and unit cells that you can insert into your drawing with ease. The platform also allows you to add animation effects, such as automatic rotation, and of course edit the drawing you have made.
How to Use the Molecule Editor
Once you download the program from its official page, you'll notice its interface is quite simple. Of course, you need to know what you're doing and know the discipline inside out, but it's assumed that if you're using the utility you at least have some skill. Then, you can draw molecular structures in just a few steps and with relative ease.
On the left side of the interface, you'll find a dropdown menu from which you can select the element. The element is automatically inserted at the cursor along with a hydrogen atom, but if you don't want that to happen, disable the 'Adjust Hydrogens' option.
To add the element to the workspace, just click on it. To edit the drawing, you can use the mouse, keyboard shortcuts, or the platform features at the top: navigation tool, angle manipulation tool, selection tool, automatic rotation tool, automatic optimization tool, measurement tool, color change tool, and alignment tool. With all these functions, you can create a very good chemical structure and then export it in CML format.
The platform certainly offers a very simple and powerful environment for editing and visualizing molecules, all in 3D space. Thus, the utility is a very good tool for both students and professionals. Avogadro is a free program available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
