Installing Schrödinger & PyMOL
This page contains instructions on downloading and activating the Schrödinger and PyMOL licenses.
If you intend to use the software from off-campus locations, you will need to set up CUIT's VPN service first.
QUESTIONS? EMAIL digitalscholarship@library.columbia.edu
Download & Install Schrödinger
Here are the steps to download and install Schrödinger software in your computer:
- If you haven't already, create an account with Schrodinger.com using your @columbia.edu email address. After filling out the form, you will receive a confirmation email to activate your login information.
- Download the Suite from www.schrodinger.com/downloadcenter. (You may be asked to log in with the credentials you set up in step 1.
NOTE: On this page, if you see this message -- Your account does not currently have access to download software -- please send an email from your Columbia account to help@schrodinger.com stating that you are a Columbia affiliate and would like to download the software.
- Choose your desired version from the dropdown menu (see screenshot below).
- Choose your operating system.
- Check the boxes to agree to terms and conditions.
- Click the blue DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE button.

7. Once the download is finished:
On Windows: unzip the contents of the downloaded ZIP file into a local folder (e.g. a newly created folder on the desktop) and run SETUP.EXE. Accept all default options.
On a Mac: open the DMG file and double-click the PKG file. Accept all default options.
On Linux: please see the Linux Quickstart Guide
8. To finish, configure the software license.
Schrödinger Training & Additional Resources
For many of these links, you will be asked to log in with the Schrödinger user account you created prior to downloading the software.
- Software documentation, quick install guides, & quick reference cards
- Knowledge base
- Python API documentation
- Tutorial videos (Schrödinger's YouTube channel)
- Questions about the software or about the science? Contact help@schrodinger.com
Download & Install PyMOL
Here are the steps to download and install PyMOL on your computer:
- Download PyMOL from the vendor site: https://pymol.org/2/
- Follow these instructions to obtain a PyMOL license file. (UNI authentication required)
- Install PyMOL, then launch it.
- You should be asked for the license file; find and select the file you downloaded in Step 2.
You can also use the program menu-- go to Help, then Install New License File (see screenshot below). Then select the file you downloaded in Step 2.
