Add 3D protein structures to your illustrations

With the BioRender PDB Builder, you can create stunning 3D protein structures in seconds. This tool allows you to:

• Choose a visual style
• Save and edit protein structures
• Easily integrate them into your illustrations

Ways to add a 3D protein structure

You can add a 3D protein structure to your illustration in two ways:

1. Retrieving a protein structure from the PDB database (free & premium)
   • Use a protein ID from the RCSB Protein Data Bank to import a structure.
2. Uploading a custom protein file (👑 premium feature)
   • Upload a custom protein file in supported formats for more flexibility.

Retrieving a protein structure from the PDB database

This method is available for all BioRender users, including free accounts.

Steps to retrieve a protein structure

1. Open the PDB Builder

   • Select the PDB option in the side panel menu.

2. Retrieve a protein from PDB

   • Click retrieve from PDB.
   • Enter the protein ID (from the RCSB Protein Data Bank).
   • Click load protein.

3. Customize the structure

   • Choose your preferred structure, color, border, and shading style.
   • Adjust rotation and zoom to align the protein in your preferred view.

4. Save and add to canvas

   • Click save as a new icon.
   • Drag and drop it onto your canvas.

💡 Tip: Not sure which style to choose? Hover over each option for a preview before saving.

Uploading a custom protein file (👑 premium feature)

Note: This feature is available only for premium users. If you’re on a free plan, consider upgrading or starting a free trial to access this functionality.

Steps to upload a custom protein file

1. Open the PDB Builder

   • Select the PDB option in the side panel menu.

2. Upload a custom protein file

   • Click upload PDB.
   • Select choose file or drag and drop your protein file.

3. Customize the structure

   • Name your protein icon and click load protein.
   • Choose your preferred structure, color, border, and shading style.
   • Adjust rotation and zoom to align the protein.

4. Save and add to canvas

   • Click save as a new icon.
   • Drag and drop it onto your canvas.

💡 Tip: Make sure your file is in one of the supported formats listed below.

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 today.

Supported file formats

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

Tutorial 

Check out our tutorial video here for a quick overview of this feature.

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.

Need help?

• Email Support: support@biorender.com
• Live Chat: Click the "Help" bubble in the bottom-right corner of the app.