ChemVector 1.0: Fast Client-Side Chemical Structure Rendering
I'm happy to announce that ChemVector 1.0.0 is now available. This first stable release offers a fundamentally new approach to the chemical structure imaging problem.
Chemical structure images for use in web pages are typically deployed from a server - either as dynamically generated or precompiled rasters. Both approaches impose restrictions related to performance, page design, scalability, and maintenance.
ChemVector takes advantage of the native vector graphics capabilities all browsers have had for years. Chemical structures are generated directly from source files (.mol or .cdx). Raster images are no longer necessary.
Here are some of the features that make ChemVector unique:
- 100% JavaScript. No browser plugins are necessary.
- Runs with all commonly-used browsers on Windows, Linux, Mac, and iPad. This includes Internet Explorer 6-9 in addition to Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari.
- Renders structures directly from individual molfiles hosted on a server, or inline.
- Renders structures directly from ChemDrawâ„¢ (.cdx) binary files.
- Declarative syntax replaces <img> tags with analogous <object> tags, making it easy for both developers and designers to work with the resulting markup.
- Non-blocking implementation makes it possible to render dozens of structures on a single page while maintaining UI responsiveness.
- Structures can be magnified programmatically or through the browser UI with no pixellation.
We have big plans for ChemVector in the months ahead, including still more performance optimizations and extensions. Your input can play a part as well. If you'd like to discuss ways that ChemVector can help your organization build better chemistry web & mobile applications, please feel free to get in touch.