MOL File Extension

What is MOL file?

Full format name of files that use MOL extension is MDL Molfile. MDL Molfile format was developed by Symyx Technologies. MOL files are supported by software applications available for devices running Linux, Mac OS, Windows. MOL file format, along with 1326 other file formats, belongs to the Data Files category. The most popular program for handling MOL files is Avogadro, but users can choose among 4 different programs that support this file format.

Programs which support MOL file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open MOL files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. Files with MOL suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with MOL extension?

Being unable to open files with MOL extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with MOL files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install Avogadro software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening MOL files is that no program that can handle MOL files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Avogadro or one of the recommended programs (for example, HyperChem, Sybyl) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support MOL files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download Avogadro installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Avogadro

You still cannot access MOL files although Avogadro is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of Avogadro installed, it may not support MOL format. The latest version of Avogadro should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open MOL files to Avogadro

If you have the latest version of Avogadro installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage MOL on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the MOL with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Avogadro is installed, check the Always use this app to open MOL files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the MOL file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Avogadro and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with MOL extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the MOL file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the MOL file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The MOL may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the MOL is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. MOL file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the MOL file’s structure is intact

If the MOL file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the MOL file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Avogadro

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support MOL files. Close all running programs and try opening the MOL file.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with MDL Molfile files and ensure security of your device and operating system. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle MOL files.

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