Research Guides: Chemistry: 6. Software for Chemistry

Chemistry software

On UO Libraries Academic Computers

All UO Libraries academic computers have a variety of software installed on them, including several chemistry-specific tools. These include:

Chemdraw (for drawing chemical structures)
CrystalMaker (X-ray crystallography)
Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) System

For your own computer

There are a couple of programs available in the Science Library that can be installed on your own computer. These are also installed on Library computers.

You must agree to the terms of the software license agreement when you install the software.
Note: These programs are only for use at the University of Oregon, by University of Oregon students, faculty and staff.

* Chemdraw: Installation: We have a new process. Instructions are on the Quick Start Guide from the Subscription page.
Follow the instructions on the Quick Start Guide

Overview: Find the University of Oregon

Find ChemDraw Prime with the most recent start date, copy the Product_Activation code next to the download now link, THEN download now.

Click on ChemDraw Prime, open the package, for the licensing code it's Product_Activation column (or possibly at the top of this screen).

Once downloaded, open the software and select the second option, requiring an activation code, see above.

Follow prompts for the rest of the installation.

Platform: Both Mac and Windows, on computers in the Libraries License: renewed annually, usually in the Fall, and requires some action each year.

CrystalMaker software.
Includes CrystalDiffract and Single Crystal. View and manipulate crystal structures, access a library of structures, change and add to the image before exporting. Platform: Both Mac and Windows, on computers in the Libraries. Note that as of July 2025, you must have either version 11.1.0 or 10.8.2, older versions have been sunset and will quit if you try to load them.
Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) System
A complete record of all published organic and metal-organic small-molecule crystal structures. Also referred to as CCDC. Requires download, site number and confirmation code to use. The Web interface (WebCSD) does not provide the full suite of search tools. Platform: Both Mac and Windows, on computers in the Libraries. License: renewed annually, usually in the Fall, and requires some action each year.