Versatile Molecule Model Rendering Software
PyMOL is an open-source molecular visualization system created by Warren Lyford DeLano. This program can produce high-quality 3D images of small molecules and biological macromolecules—and is one of the few open-source model visualization tools available for use in education, specifically structural biology. It is universally accessible to scientific and educational communities and is currently maintained and distributed by Schrödinger, Inc.
Scientific Specialty
Developers constantly create and improve educational programs and tools for the sake of research. Some are licensed products that ask for user subscriptions, while others are purely free and accessible to anyone who needs it. Some are for computers, while others are used on handheld gadgets. The subjects they contain and handle are vast, too and ranges from languages and complex mathematics to the entire spectrum of science. In the end, however, these things are always striving to be better for the sake of the people using them as educational platforms. PyMOL’s priority is to improve more for its intended subject. Developer, Warren Lyford DeLano, created this app for the sole purpose of providing people with reliable and accurate software that can render 3D molecular structures. The app was written in the Python programming language and was made to be a cross-platform program. It’s considered an industry leader in 3D molecular visualization, and with the constant improvements made by its active and dedicated community, it continues to deliver outstanding results.
Powerful and Versatile
In a nutshell, PyMOL is a 3D rendering program for molecules. It’s highly useful to those in that branch of scientific research since it’s specialized to not only create accurately rendered images but to also present this data in movies. You can easily view, share, and analyze your molecular data using PyMOL. It can churn out high-definition results—not even deterred when you zoom in on your data. It’s lightweight and fast and highly flexible with its Python-based coding. It has an integrated ray-tracing graphics technique that gives your molecule models smoother surface boundary, enhanced shadows, and reflection effects. It supports multiple image formats, and you can easily share your protected work without worrying about its safety. There’s a rotational camera, a built-in animation tool called RigiMOL, and various other options that are highly adjustable and customizable. PyMOL even offers product packages and plug-ins for more versatility with your program. The licenses you can buy support the open-source project, contributing to its further improvement.
Definitely Deserves Its Popularity
For such a specialized scientific modeling program, PyMOL highly impresses both beginners and experts. Despite its numerous advanced features, it doesn’t largely intimidate with its interface. Even new students of molecular science can easily learn how it works after much patient study. It’s first and foremost a tool for education and research, and the community’s dedication to its subject clearly shows. It’s a must-have tool if you’re looking to render some molecules.
