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PyMOL vs Jmol: catalog facts
PyMOL	Jmol
Freemium The open-source build is free; Schrödinger's PyMOL bundles require a purchased license.	Free Free and open source.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Long-established molecular visualization tool Raytraced rendering of molecular structures	Handles molecules, crystals, materials and macromolecules Portable application that runs without installation
Official installer bundles need a paid license Aimed at scientific users rather than casual learners	The desktop application requires Java The scripting language takes time to learn
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: Python-2.0	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.