ChemDraw Add In: How to import a structure into SciFinder, save and open it again in SciFinder

Updated: 11 September, 2026

How do I save a structure in SciFinder?

• Save the structure in the original application in a compatible format (.str, .cxf, or .mol) and open the file in SciFinder.

• Copy the structure (in .str, .cxf, or .mol format) from the original application to the clipboard and paste into SciFinder.

• Save the structure in .str, .cxf, or .mol format in its original application. 

Note: In ChemDraw, structure queries are not typically saved as molfiles. To create a molfile, select File Export and then choose mol file. 

• Switch to the SciFinder Structure Drawing window, and select File Open. The Open File dialog box displays. 

• Choose the file type of the saved structure from the Files of type: menu.