PyMOL vs Rasmol

Struggling to choose between PyMOL and Rasmol? 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, Rasmol is a Science & Education product tagged with molecular-visualization, protein-structure, 3d-modeling.

Its standout features include Visualization of 3D molecular structures, Support for various molecular file formats like PDB, XYZ, etc, Coloring and labeling of atoms, Measurement tools, Animation and movie making capabilities, Scripting interface for automation, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Available for multiple platforms, Intuitive user interface, Large user community and support.

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


Rasmol

Rasmol

RasMol is an open-source molecular visualization software used to view and manipulate 3D models of molecules and proteins. It can read various file formats and has features like coloring, zooming, rotations, and measurement tools.

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

Rasmol Features

  1. Visualization of 3D molecular structures
  2. Support for various molecular file formats like PDB, XYZ, etc
  3. Coloring and labeling of atoms
  4. Measurement tools
  5. Animation and movie making capabilities
  6. Scripting interface for automation

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Available for multiple platforms

Intuitive user interface

Large user community and support

Cons

Development has stalled, last update in 2008

Limited built-in rendering capabilities

Steep learning curve for scripting and advanced usage