Getting Started

This guide will help you get up and running with ACoord in just a few minutes.

Prerequisites

• Visual Studio Code 1.90.0 or later
• Any structure file (.cif, .xyz, POSCAR, etc.)

Step 1: Install ACoord

From VS Code Marketplace

1. Open VS Code
2. Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X or Cmd+Shift+X)
3. Search for "ACoord"
4. Click Install

From VSIX File

1. Download the .vsix file from the GitHub Releases
2. In VS Code, click the ... menu in the Extensions panel
3. Select Install from VSIX...
4. Choose the downloaded .vsix file

Step 2: Open a Structure File

1. Open VS Code
2. Open any supported structure file:
   • Drag and drop the file into VS Code
   • Or use File → Open File...
3. ACoord will automatically detect the file type
4. Click the ACoord Structure Editor icon in the editor title bar (or right-click → Reopen with → ACoord Structure Editor)

Step 3: Explore Your Structure

Once opened, you'll see:

• 3D View — Interactive 3D rendering of your structure
• Navigation Controls:
  • Left-click + drag: Rotate
  • Right-click + drag: Pan
  • Scroll: Zoom in/out
• Side Panel — Atom list, selection info, and tools

Step 4: Try Basic Operations

Select Atoms

• Click on an atom to select it
• Hold Ctrl/Cmd + click to multi-select
• Use box selection (drag in empty space with Select tool)

View Bonds

• Bonds are automatically calculated
• Select two atoms to see the distance between them

Change View Settings

• Use the side panels to adjust:
  • Atom size
  • Bond thickness
  • Color scheme
  • Lighting

What's Next?

• Installation — More installation options
• Viewing Structures — Detailed viewing tutorial
• Editing Atoms — Learn to edit structures
• Features Overview — Explore all features