What is ChemDraw (vNext) and what has changed?

Question:

What is ChemDraw (vNext) and what has changed?

Resolution:

From Lead Discovery 8.5 and Lead Discovery Premium 3.1, the default renderer for structure data has changed from ChemDraw to ChemDraw (vNext). ChemDraw (vNext) is a new renderer based on modern technology and is expected to run faster and with more stability than the original ChemDraw renderer. This article will address some of the common questions users may have regarding the new renderer.

Q. When will ChemDraw (vNext) be used?
A. ChemDraw (vNext) will be used to render structure images in the following location for newly created analysis using Lead Discovery 8.5 or Lead Discovery Premium 3.1.

- Table cells, labels, and tooltips in visualizations
- Structure Viewer, Structure Filter
- Exported files (PDF, PowerPoint, PNG)

Q. How will ChemDraw (vNext) effect my exsiting analysis files?
A. Existing analysis files will maintain its' previous renderer such as ChemDraw. Therefore analysis will remain unchanged.

Q. I want to keep using ChemDraw as my default renderer.
A. User can configure the default renderer for each content type by following steps. Specify ChemDraw for all content type to mantain the old renderer as default.

1. In Spotfire Analyst, select Tools > Options.
2. Select the Application tab.
3. Click the Renderer Setting button.
4. Click Add. The Add Default Renderer dialog displays.
5. Specify the Content type and select the default renderer from the drop-down list in the dialog.
   (e.g. For MDL Molfile, specify "chemical/x-mdl-molfile")

Reference: The Chemical MIME Project
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_file_format

Q. What are advantages of using ChemDraw (vNext) over ChemDraw?
A. ChemDraw (vNext) will render structure images much faster and with more stability than ChemDraw. Also structure image will scale to fill the entire space available with no limitation in image size.

Q. What are disadvantages of using ChemDraw (vNext) over ChemDraw?
A. ChemDraw (vNext) will not support customization of stylesheet using the Renderer Setting dialog. The default style ACS96 will be used thoughout; for example, specification of atom size or location is not supported.

Q. If we are to use ChemDraw (vNext) only, can we uninstall CDAX (ChemDraw ActiveX Enterprise Constant) from PC?
A. As of Lead Discovery 8.5, some features still relies on CDAX. It is not recommended to uninstall it at this point.