File Extension Database

Open MOL File

The MOL file extension, short for Molecular file format, is commonly associated with chemical software used to store and visualize molecular data. It is widely used in various scientific fields related to chemistry and biology. In this article, we will discuss the possible formats and ways to open and use files with the MOL file extension.

Format Variations

MOL file formats can come in various forms, including SDF (Structure Data File), MOLFile, and MOL2. Each format serves specific purposes and has distinct features:

SDF: Developed by MDL Information Systems, SDF is a widely employed file format for the exchange of molecular structures and their associated data. It accommodates multiple structures in a single file and can include additional information, like chemical properties. (source)
MOLFile: Also known as MOL or Molfile V2000, MOLFile is a widely accepted format for encoding two-dimensional chemical structures. It represents atoms and bonds, as well as their properties and spatial orientation within various software solutions. (source)
MOL2: Mainly used by the Sybyl molecular modeling software suite, MOL2 is a file format that features richer chemical information and structure representation than the MOLFile. It includes bond angles, dihedral angles, and spatial coordinates in addition to atom and bond information. (source)

Opening MOL Files

To access the content of a file with the MOL extension, you need compatible software. Below is a list of widely used applications that can open and manipulate MOL files:

ChemDoodle: A chemical drawing software suite, ChemDoodle supports SDF and MOLFile formats. It is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. (ChemDoodle website)
ChemSketch: ChemSketch is a popular chemical drawing program that supports MOL files. It enables users to create molecular structures and visualize their properties. It is available for Windows. (ACD/ChemSketch website)
MarvinSketch: Developed by ChemAxon, MarvinSketch is another chemical drawing application that handles MOLFile and SDF file formats. The software is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. (MarvinSketch website)
Avogadro: An advanced molecule editor, Avogadro is a comprehensive tool for exploring and creating molecular structures, initially focused on the MOL2 format. It is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. (Avogadro website)

Conversion and Visualization

Converting MOL files to other formats or visualizing these files in more accessible formats, such as images, can be achieved using the following tools:

Open Babel: A chemical toolbox, Open Babel is an invaluable tool for converting MOL files between different formats like MOL2, SDF, and PDB. It is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. (Open Babel website)
Jmol: Jmol is an open-source Java viewer for chemical structures in 3D, supporting MOL, MOL2, and SDF formats. It is also available as a standalone application or an applet for integration into websites. (Jmol website)

MOL File Important Information

As the MOL file format is widely used in chemical software, understanding its structure, capabilities, and available tools is vital for researchers, scientists, and students in chemistry and biology fields. By knowing the format variations and the software that supports them, users can efficiently manage, convert, and visualize molecular structures and chemical data.

How Can I Open MOL File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open MOL file is to find a MOL file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a MOL file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open MOL file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as MOL file opener then try to search online for "MOL viewer", "application to open MOL file" or "open MOL file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open MOL file

How Can I Open MOL File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a MOL file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a MOL file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with MOL file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as MOL file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open MOL file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open MOL file then try to search for "MOL viewer", "application to open MOL file" or "read MOL file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read MOL file

How Can I Open MOL File on Android

If you downloaded a MOL file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded MOL file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "MOL".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "MOL viewer", "MOL file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open MOL File on iPhone or iPad

To open MOL File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the MOL file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "MOL". This way you can find apps which can open MOL files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "MOL viewer" or "MOL file" online in your favorite search engine.

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