Jmol JavaScript Object/WebGL

WebGL modality in JSmol

JSmol has tentatively implemented a modality (additional to the Java and the HTML5 modalities) that makes use of the WebGL technology.

Please, note that this modality does not implement the full set of functionalities of Jmol/JSmol and there are no current plans to develop it further. Help from interested developers/programmers would be welcome.

WebGL is a hardware-accelerated technology for displaying 2D and 3D graphics inside web pages without using any plugins in the browser. It relies on capabilities of the user's graphics card, and so compatibility may be limited, although it is a growing standard feature.

The major advantage of using WebGL is a faster and smoother rendering of the model, rotation, movement, etc., over that obtained with JSmol/HTML5. In exchange, the latter offers a wider compatibility with devices.

Hardware support

Old graphics cards may not support WebGL.

Browser support

Browser support is irregular, although growing. Chrome, Safari, Edge are compatible, Firefox may be depending on graphics card drivers. Please check e.g. Can I use for current status.

JSmol features

Please, if you have experienced with JSmol/WegGL feel free to add items here.

Supported

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Not supported

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Implementing the WebGL modality

You need to be aware that your users/visitors might not have a WebGL-compatible system, so be cautious with your design and offer alternatives.

In order to have JSmol in your pages use the WebGL modality:

1. your page should call JSmol.GLmol.min.js in addition to JSmol.min.js
2. the use parameter of the Info variable must be set to WebGL (case-insensitive)

Contributors

AngelHerraez