User guide

Nicknames
The simplest way to add an atomic symbol to a structure is to type the symbol into a text box. However, you are not
limited to entering atoms one at a time. Using nicknames, you can add functional groups, chains, or any other struc-
tural feature without drawing each atom.
A nickname is an alphanumeric abbreviation that represents a substructure. Nicknames are useful for drawing large
structures or structures that repeatedly use similar features.
Note that you can assign a nickname to the structural feature. You can also assign hotkeys to nicknames that you
can later use as a quick way for adding the nickname to your drawing. For more information on defining nicknames,
see "Defining nicknames" on page 115.
Using nicknames
Using nicknames, you can add short names for functional groups to use as an atom label or part of a label. When an
atom is labeled with a nickname, the chemical significance of the expanded structure is retained.
Commonly used nicknames, such as Me, Et, and Ph are stored in your ChemDraw Items folder. You can edit or
delete nicknames in this list.
You can assign hotkeys to nicknames. For example, the hotkey “4” labels an atom with “Ph”, which represents a phe-
nyl group.
Applying nicknames
You can either type the nickname or select it from the nicknames list. For more information on defining nicknames,
see "Defining nicknames" on page 115.
To use a nickname to label an atom:
1. In a structure, double-click an atom with a bond tool or click an atom with the Text tool. An atom label text box
appears. Do one of the following:
Type a nickname label such as “Et”.
Go to File>List nicknames. The List Nicknames dialog appears.
Select the required nickname and click Paste.
Click Done.
An example is shown below:
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