python cdx_to_jpg.py molecule.cdx molecule.jpg
The output molecule.jpg will be a raster image of the chemical structure with white background.
Warning: JPG does not store chemical structure metadata (like SMILES or InChI keys). If you need the chemical data, keep the original CDX file and export a JPG copy.
Install required tools:
# Install Open Babel (via conda or apt)
conda install -c conda-forge openbabel
# or on Ubuntu: sudo apt install openbabel
ChemDraw (Windows/Mac) provides direct export:
Note: ChemDraw is commercial software (free trials available). convert cdx to jpg
Sometimes, CDX is confused with CorelDRAW files (usually .CDR, but occasionally exported as CDX for exchange).
ChemDraw supports scripting via CBV (ChemDraw Basic VBA). A sample macro: python cdx_to_jpg
For Each file In Files
Open file
ExportAs JPEG, resolution:=300
Next
A CDX file is the native file format for ChemDraw, a popular molecule editor used in chemistry and biology. CDX files store:
They are vector-based (scalable without quality loss) and are not widely supported outside of cheminformatics software. The output molecule