3D Chemistry Molecule View

Explore and interact with detailed 3D molecular structures using multiple rendering styles, import custom files, measure atomic distances, and share snapshots with ease.

3D Chemistry Molecule View offers an advanced interactive experience for exploring molecular structures in three dimensions on your iPhone. Designed as a utility app for chemistry enthusiasts, students, and educators, it combines a rich bundled library with powerful tools for importing, visualising, measuring, and sharing molecules.

Library & Discovery: The app launches with an asynchronously loaded bundled molecule list, merging seamlessly with user-imported molecules available through Molecule Premium. Easily filter molecules by category or search by name, formula, or category with case-insensitive substring matching. Import custom molecular structures using XYZ files with progress feedback during parsing and saving. Imported molecules are persistently stored and restored on relaunch, with clear warnings for any corrupt files. Swipe to delete imported entries without affecting the bundled catalogue. Localised empty-state messages inform you if the bundled data is missing.

3D Visualisation: Choose from multiple rendering styles including ball & stick (default), space filling with scaled van der Waals spheres, and wireframe showing thin bonds and smaller atoms. Ball & stick mode features atoms drawn as spheres with CPK-inspired colours and bonds as cylinders aligned precisely along internuclear vectors. Toggle hydrogen visibility to simplify views for teaching heavy atom structures. Molecular coordinates are scaled for comfortable viewing, with consistent lighting using an omni key light and ambient fill. The camera is positioned for intuitive turntable orbit interaction, disabled only during measurement mode to prevent interference.

Stereoscopic Viewing Modes: Premium users can select from various stereoscopic modes for immersive 3D viewing. Each stereo pane uses a separate scene allowing independent camera manipulation. Mono ball-and-stick rendering is available for free users, ensuring a quality experience without subscription.

Measurement, Sharing, and Details: Reset the camera to a default orbit position anytime. Measure distances between atoms in angstroms by tapping two atoms sequentially while in measure mode. Share snapshots of the primary 3D view using the system share sheet for easy distribution. The details sheet provides molecule metadata including name, formula, category, atom and bond counts, and an educational disclaimer noting that bundled coordinates are approximations not suitable for research or safety-critical use.

Molecule Metadata & Education UX: The navigation title reflects the molecule's human-readable name for easy identification. The info sheet summarises key metadata and includes a short educational disclaimer to guide users on the app’s intended use.

About Tab & Legal: Access bundled privacy and support information within the app. Navigate legal pages via a lightweight web view. First-launch onboarding can be replayed from the About tab. Manage Molecule Premium subscription status, view plans and pricing, restore purchases, and manage subscriptions through dedicated in-app options or Safari links. The app operates fully on-device without requiring accounts, analytics, ads, or cloud sync, ensuring user privacy.

How It Works: Load and browse a comprehensive molecule library or import your own XYZ files. Customise visualisation styles and toggle hydrogens for clarity. Use interactive 3D controls to orbit and inspect molecules. Measure atomic distances precisely and share your findings with others.

Tips: Use category filters and search to quickly find molecules of interest. Enable stereoscopic modes for enhanced depth perception if you have a compatible device. Regularly back up imported molecules by exporting XYZ files externally.

Common Use Cases: Ideal for chemistry students learning molecular geometry, educators preparing interactive lessons, researchers reviewing molecular models, and hobbyists exploring chemical structures.

Settings You Can Change: Switch rendering styles and toggle…