---
title: "UCSF ChimeraX"
url: "https://help.dectris.cloud/en/article/python-basics-ubuntu-copy"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2026-07-15T08:56:57.909Z"
---

# UCSF ChimeraX

ChimeraX is one of the most popular molecular visualization programs.

## **Introduction**

**ChimeraX** is commonly used in structural biology to visualize and modify density maps and atomic models of macromolecules. It is developed by UCSF and is free for academic and personal use. It is, however, not permitted to redistribute it and you will have to create your personal **ChimeraX Environment** in **DECTRIS D.LAB**.

## **Setting up your own ChimeraX Environment**

You can simply start any DECTRIS D.LAB [Public Environment](https://app.dectris.cloud/sections/analysis/environments/public) as an interactive **Session**, download ChimeraX from the [official UCSF ChimeraX website](https://www.cgl.ucsf.edu/chimerax/download.html) and install it. Alternatively, you can download the installer on your local computer and upload it to the Session using the the up/down arrow icon in the top left.

After installation, you can **Stop** your Session from the [My Sessions](https://app.dectris.cloud/sections/analysis/sessions) page, click on the Session card and click the **"Save as Environment"** button on the bottom right.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/2a76c97f-f346-44fc-b8cc-c213600f31ee)

After the process is completed, your Environment containing **ChimeraX** will appear under [My Environments](https://app.staging.dectris.cloud/sections/analysis/environments) and you can use it as any other Environment to start **Sessions** or run **Jobs**.

[You can find more details on creating Environments from Sessions here.](https://help.dectris.cloud/en/article/save-a-session-as-an-environment)

## **References**

-   Pettersen EF, Goddard TD, Huang CC, et al. UCSF ChimeraX: Structure visualization for researchers, educators, and developers. *Protein Science*. 2021; 30: 70–82. [**https://doi.org/10.1002/pro.3943**](https://doi.org/10.1002/pro.3943)