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Add 3D Protein Structures to Your Illustrations
Add 3D Protein Structures to Your Illustrations

Select from PDB database or upload your own custom PDB file. (Uploading: 👑 Premium Only)

Stefan Pintaric avatar
Written by Stefan Pintaric
Updated over a week ago

With the BioRender PDB Builder, you can create beautiful PDB molecules in seconds! Check out our tutorial video here for a quick overview. This tool lets you choose a style, save the protein structure, and edit your saved molecules.

There are two ways to do this:

  1. Retrieve from PDB database using the Protein ID.

  2. Upload your own custom protein file.

How to retrieve a Protein Structure from PDB

  1. Select the PBD option in the side panel menu.

  2. Select the Retrieve from PDB option.

  3. Input the protein ID of interest (from the RCSB Protein Data Bank), then click Load Protein.

  4. Select your desired Structure, Color, Border, and Shading style.

  5. Align the preferred view of the protein by adjusting the rotation and zoom.

  6. Select Save as a new icon, and drag and drop it onto the canvas.


How to upload a custom PDB file (👑 Premium Only)

  1. Select the PBD option in the side panel menu.

  2. Select the Upload PDB option.

  3. Select Choose file, or drag and drop your own file.

  4. Name your icon, and select Load Protein.

  5. Select your desired Structure, Color, Border, and Shading style.

  6. Align the preferred view of the protein by adjusting the rotation and zoom.

  7. Select Save as a new icon, then drag and drop it onto the canvas.

Exclusive Premium Feature

The protein file upload feature is a premium benefit. If you're on a free plan and want to explore this, upgrade your account or start a free trial.

Supported File Formats

Files supported include: .pdb, .cif, .mmtf, .ccp4, .dsn6, and .pubchem


Frequently Asked Questions

I am receiving an error message when trying to upload my Protein. What should I do?

Sometimes you may experience an error if your file upload contains 2 objects. If your file contains 2 objects, please try grouping these together and attempt to upload the file once again.

Are my uploaded files secure?

Your uploaded files are fully confidential, secure, and private to your account. You can delete them at any point permanently.


If you have any questions or concerns:

Open our chat messenger (bottom-right of any BioRender web page).

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