MOL File Extension
MDL Molfile
- File Type mol
- Developer Symyx Technologies
- Popularity
- Application HyperChem
- Category Data Files
- Format Text
What is a MOL file?
The MOL file extension is linked to MDL Molfile and belongs to the Data Files category, which includes 6196 files.
MOL files are supported by Windows. When working with MOL files, you can rely on 3 programs, including HyperChem, Sybyl and PolyTrans.
MIME types
- chemical/x-mdl-molfile
How to open a MOL file?
If you can’t open a MOL file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.
The most popular programs for working with MOL files are HyperChem, Sybyl and PolyTrans. To install the latest version of HyperChem on your computer, visit the Hypercube website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.
Following installation, MOL files should be automatically opened with HyperChem.
Set HyperChem as your default MOL viewer
Changing the default program in Windows
- Right-click on your MOL file, then choose the "Open with" option and select "Choose another application" from the available options;
- From the list of applications in the pop-up window, find and select HyperChem as your desired application;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to set your chosen app as the default for opening MOL files.
Set default app to open files on Mac
- Right-click or Control + left-click on the desired MOL file to open a menu of available actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Look at the bottom of the window, where you will see the "Enable" menu. "Recommended Programs" will be selected as the default option;
- Within this menu select "All Programs" and navigate to HyperChem. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.
Convert to and from MOL
If you have trouble working with a MOL file, try converting it to PNG or similar data files.
Please note that after converting a MOL file, some functionality may differ from the original. However, in many cases, it can be converted back to its original format.
Convert MOL to other file formats
Solving Common MOL File Challenges
When issues arise with MOL files, they can generally be fixed with small software tweaks. Use the troubleshooting tips below to help resolve them.
What are the warning signs that my MOL file may be corrupted?
Corrupted MOL data files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Error messages appear during the course of working with the file;
- Attempts to open the file result in errors or failed results;
- Unexplained increase in MOL file size;
- The file causes HyperChem or other programs to hang or crash during operation;
Why does HyperChem crash?
HyperChem crashes can be caused by outdated software. Keep your Hypercube products up to date by installing the latest updates.
A simple restart of your computer can often fix many common problems, which is why it is the recommended first step before making any adjustments to your software settings.
How to repair a corrupted MOL file?
Use a data recovery program to open the damaged MOL file and from the menu choose "Repair" function to start the repair process. Please be patient while the recovery process completes, which will automatically restore the damaged data files.