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How to draw orbitals on a structure

Select the structure and choose Object › Chemistry › Visualize orbitals. Orbital lobes are drawn on its atoms as shapes, in two colors for the two phases.

Steps

  1. Select the structure, for example formaldehyde.

  2. Choose Main menu › Object › Chemistry › Visualize orbitals.

  3. Orbital lobes are drawn on its atoms, in two colors for the two phases.

    Formaldehyde with orbital lobes drawn on carbon and oxygen.Formaldehyde with orbital lobes drawn on carbon and oxygen.

The lobes are ordinary shapes: move, recolor or delete them like any other.

To draw single orbitals by hand, use the Orbitals tool (O).

3D and orbitalsHow to insert an MO energy diagramChoose Insert › Insert MO energy diagram. A schematic MO diagram is placed, such as O2 with its bond order and unpaired electrons, ready to edit.

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Last updated Nov 12, 2026