Introduction to RasMol

RasMol is a molecular graphics program intended for the visualisation of proteins, nucleic acids and small molecules. The program is aimed at display, teaching and generation of publication quality images. Originally developed by Roger Sayle, RasMol has become a standard tool in structural biology.

The software interactively displays molecules in various representations such as wireframe, sticks, and spacefilling spheres. It handles a vast array of file formats, including PDB and CIF, and allows for precise control over coloring and viewing angles.

The OpenRasMol project, the long-standing official repository for RasMol development, has been largely inactive since 2012. This current project has been initiated to modernize the codebase and ensure that RasMol continues to serve the needs of the scientific community in the years to come.

Whether you are a researcher analyzing protein-ligand interactions or a student learning about molecular architecture, RasMol provides the speed and flexibility needed to explore the microscopic world.