PyMOL vs Jmol

Struggling to choose between PyMOL and Jmol? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

PyMOL is a Science & Education solution with tags like molecular-visualization, protein-structure, molecular-graphics, 3d-structure.

It boasts features such as Molecular visualization and modeling, High quality rendering, Support for animations and movies, Plugin architecture for extensibility, Python scripting interface, Command line interface, Support for multiple structure alignment, Measurement tools, Session saving and pros including Powerful visualization capabilities, High quality graphics, Extensive scripting options, Cross-platform availability, Free and open source.

On the other hand, Jmol is a Science & Education product tagged with chemistry, 3d, molecular-structure, education, research.

Its standout features include 3D visualization of molecules and chemical structures, Support for common chemical file formats like PDB, Mol, SDF, Interactive manipulation and measurement of molecular models, Analysis tools like molecular orbitals, electrostatics, etc, Scripting and programming interface for automation and customization, Platform independent (Java-based), Integration with web pages and applications, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Cross-platform compatibility, Powerful visualization and analysis capabilities, Support for major chemical file formats, Customizable and extensible via scripts, Actively developed and maintained.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

PyMOL

PyMOL

PyMOL is an open-source molecular visualization system. It can produce high-quality 3D images of small molecules and biological macromolecules such as proteins. PyMOL is designed for interactive visualization and generating publication-quality images and animations.

Categories:
molecular-visualization protein-structure molecular-graphics 3d-structure

PyMOL Features

  1. Molecular visualization and modeling
  2. High quality rendering
  3. Support for animations and movies
  4. Plugin architecture for extensibility
  5. Python scripting interface
  6. Command line interface
  7. Support for multiple structure alignment
  8. Measurement tools
  9. Session saving

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Powerful visualization capabilities

High quality graphics

Extensive scripting options

Cross-platform availability

Free and open source

Cons

Steep learning curve

Limited support and documentation

Some features only in paid versions

Can be resource intensive for large structures


Jmol

Jmol

Jmol is an open-source Java viewer for 3D chemical structures that allows users to visualize, manipulate, and analyze molecular models. It supports a variety of chemical file formats and can be used for education, research, and commercial purposes.

Categories:
chemistry 3d molecular-structure education research

Jmol Features

  1. 3D visualization of molecules and chemical structures
  2. Support for common chemical file formats like PDB, Mol, SDF
  3. Interactive manipulation and measurement of molecular models
  4. Analysis tools like molecular orbitals, electrostatics, etc
  5. Scripting and programming interface for automation and customization
  6. Platform independent (Java-based)
  7. Integration with web pages and applications

Pricing

  • Open Source
  • Free

Pros

Free and open source

Cross-platform compatibility

Powerful visualization and analysis capabilities

Support for major chemical file formats

Customizable and extensible via scripts

Actively developed and maintained

Cons

Steep learning curve

Limited documentation and support

Some features require programming skills

User interface could be more intuitive

Lacks some features of commercial alternatives