Installation
This page covers different ways to install ACoord.
Method 1: VS Code Marketplace (Recommended)
The easiest way to install ACoord is from the VS Code Marketplace.
Steps
- Open Visual Studio Code
- Open the Extensions panel:
- Keyboard:
Ctrl+Shift+X(Windows/Linux) orCmd+Shift+X(macOS) - Menu: View → Extensions
- Keyboard:
- Search for "ACoord"
- Find the extension by publisher wxia529
- Click Install
Verify Installation
After installation:
- Open any structure file (
.cif,.xyz, etc.) - You should see the ACoord icon in the editor title bar
- Click it to open the structure in 3D view
Method 2: Install from VSIX
If you want to install a specific version or test pre-release builds:
Steps
- Download the
.vsixfile from:- GitHub Releases
- Or build from source (see below)
- In VS Code, open the Extensions panel
- Click the
...(More Actions) button - Select Install from VSIX...
- Navigate to and select the downloaded
.vsixfile - Click Install
Method 3: Build from Source
For development or latest features:
Prerequisites
- Node.js 22 is recommended for local development
- npm
- Git
Steps
bash
# 1. Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/wxia529/acoord.git
cd acoord
# 2. Install workspace dependencies
npm install
# 3. Build all projects
npm run build
# 4. Package as VSIX (optional)
npm run package
# 5. Install the VSIX file
# Follow Method 2 steps aboveDevelopment Mode
To test changes during development:
bash
# Start watch mode
npm run watch
# Press F5 in VS Code to launch Extension Development Host
# This opens a new VS Code window with the extension loadedSystem Requirements
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| VS Code | 1.90.0 or later |
| Node.js | 22 recommended for building |
| OS | Windows, macOS, or Linux |
| GPU | Any GPU supporting WebGL (for 3D rendering) |
Uninstall
To remove ACoord:
- Open Extensions panel in VS Code
- Find ACoord
- Click Uninstall
- Reload VS Code if prompted
Troubleshooting
Extension Not Appearing
- Ensure VS Code is version 1.90.0 or later
- Check File → Preferences → Settings → Extensions to ensure extensions are enabled
- Try reloading VS Code (
Ctrl+Shift+P→ Developer: Reload Window)
3D View Not Rendering
- Check that your browser/webview supports WebGL
- Try disabling hardware acceleration in VS Code settings
- Update your graphics drivers
File Not Opening
- Ensure the file extension is supported
- Try Right-click → Reopen with → ACoord Structure Editor
- Check the Output panel for error messages
