PDBImages: a command-line tool for automated macromolecular structure visualization

Abstract

Summary: PDBImages is an innovative, open-source Node.js package that harnesses the power of the popular macromolecule structure visualization software Mol*. Designed for use by the scientific community, PDBImages provides a means to generate high-quality images for PDB and AlphaFold DB models. Its unique ability to render and save images directly to files in a browserless mode sets it apart, offering users a streamlined, automated process for macromolecular structure visualization. Here, we detail the implementation of PDBImages, enumerating its diverse image types, and elaborating on its user-friendly setup. This powerful tool opens a new gateway for researchers to visualize, analyse, and share their work, fostering a deeper understanding of bioinformatics.

Availability and implementation: PDBImages is available as an npm package from https://www.npmjs.com/package/pdb-images. The source code is available from https://github.com/PDBeurope/pdb-images.