Overview
Benchling has deprecated a feature that allows Notebook users to visualize ChemDraw file types. Prior to this deprecation, users could visualize certain ChemDraw file types (.cdx, .cdxml) without having licenses for the Benchling Chem Awareness capability. To maintain the highest standards of compatibility and performance, we have made the decision to sunset this feature due to its technical incompatibility with our platform. Going forward, Benchling customers that need to visualize these files should license Benchling Chem Awareness.
Note: The Benchling Chem Awareness module is only available to enterprise users and is not available to users on free Benchling for Academics accounts.
What Does This Mean for You?
- Access to ChemDraw: Starting 03/01/2025, the ability to render chemical structures from ChemDraw file types (.cdx, .cdxml) directly in a Notebook entry will no longer be supported, if the Benchling account has not licensed the Chem Awareness module. Any ChemDraw files created before this date will remain accessible and function as expected. Customers that are already using Benchling Chem Awareness are not impacted by this change.
Alternative Options:
- You can capture screenshots of ChemDraw-generated content and upload them to Benchling as attachments.
- ChemDraw files can also be uploaded directly to Benchling as attachments.’
- You can license Benchling Chem Awareness, which allows users to visualize these files in the Notebook, as well as model, register, and track small molecules in Benchling. Benchling Chem Awareness is not available on free Benchling for Academics accounts.
This change only impacts the specific rendering functionality. Most customers can continue working with ChemDraw files as attachments or screenshots without disruption.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this transition, please don’t hesitate to contact our support team at support@benchling.com or reach out to your sales representative for more details.