Jmol for Mac

Quick summary

Jmol is a free, open-source molecular viewer originally built to run in web browsers as a Java applet. It is aimed at students, educators, and researchers in chemistry and biochemistry who need an easy way to display and explore molecular structures.

How it can be run

• As a browser applet for embedding interactive molecules into web pages.
• As a standalone Java program that runs directly on a desktop.
• As a development component (JmolViewer) that you can embed into your own Java applications.

Supported operating systems and deployment notes

• Linux and other Unix-like systems are supported.
• macOS (formerly Mac OS X) is fully supported.
• Microsoft Windows is also supported. All versions are available for download in multiple package types so you can choose the form that best fits your environment.

File formats and chemical features supported

• Spartan export files (SMOL) are accepted.
• Chemical Markup Language (CML) files are supported.
• Molpro output files can be read. Recent releases even allow representation of higher-order bonds such as quintuple and sextuple bonds.

Learning materials and community help

• A comprehensive handbook and step-by-step online tutorials are available to help new users get started.
• An active, community-maintained Jmol Wiki provides practical answers and keeps documentation current.

Visualization purpose and compatibility

The primary aim is to present complex molecular information visually so users can better understand structure and properties. Jmol works with all major web browsers and supports both simple viewing and more advanced, interactive displays.

Suggested alternative

• Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition — Paid product with cross-platform support