We are pleased to introduce version 12 of our ChemDoodle 2D software. This update is free for all ChemDoodle subscriptions, Lifetime and Site licenses. Licenses are as little as $19, and we have a free trial available at: https://www.chemdoodle.com

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The new ChemDoodle 2D v12 interface on macOS. ChemDoodle 2D is also fully supported on Windows and Linux.

We want to say thank you again to all of our users and supporters. We have now been in business since 2008, so a bit over 15 years now. It continues to be a pleasure to produce beautiful chemistry software and to provide solutions to those that need it at a reasonable cost. Please enjoy this update!

Executive Summary

ChemDoodle 2D v12 presents a new, refreshed interface. We took a close look at every component, icon, window and form inside of the application to optimize and beautify our users' experience. The main interface has been reorganized. Many usability issues have been resolved. Most users will find the changes to be straightforward and the underlying chemistry functionality of the software is unchanged. We have a very quick guide to help you with the bigger changes below. In addition to the interface, improvements have been made to our chemical image recovery (CIR or OSR) function, IUPAC naming, the atom and bond joining function, and our user guide.

Brief Guide to the new Interface

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The main ChemDoodle application window.

The first and most important thing to say, is the interface looks different, but ChemDoodle users will still find it very familiar. A few changes require additional notes, which are collected here.

1. Toolbars

The main toolbars are now centered at the top of the application window instead of left aligned. If you expand the width of the application, the icon rows will reduce to take as little vertical space as possible.

2. Tabs

The tabs have been completely redone, and are much more functional. Opening, closing and traversing between tabs is now much easier. There are more functions in each tab's right-click menu. The document and file functions, which used to be mixed in with the rest of the buttons in the top toolbars have now been separated and relocated below the tabs. This way, between the tabs and the document buttons at the bottom, you have access to all of the file and document abilities in one place.

3. Style Sheet Controls

The style sheet styles have been completely separated from the application settings and you may now control the style sheet it its own window. This makes styles much quicker to customize and just makes so much better sense than the previous system. You may access the style sheet controls by pressing the Edit Styles button at the bottom-right of the application window, or by using the Content>Edit Styles... menu item.

4. Application Settings

You may access the application settings by pressing the Settings button at the bottom-right of the application window, or by using the Edit>Settings... menu item (in the ChemDoodle menu on macOS). The settings window has been completely redone to better organize the available options and make everything easier to find.

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The application settings have been reorganized for the better.

5. Widgets

The widget drawer, which was previously located at the top right of the application window, is now located at the bottom-right of the application window. This allows continued easy access, but avoids overlap of the drawer with other buttons and the top of the document.

What is next?

We have more updates in the pipeline. There is more functionality being added to the interface and we are wrapping up testing on our new "dark" mode. ChemDoodle 3D's interface has also been updated and will be made available soon. And of course, we are working on new chemistry features! Please let us know if you have any questions, comments or feedback.