Hey everyone! I’m working on a paper about protein-ligand binding, and I really want to move away from standard ribbon models. Does anyone have advice on how to render 3D molecular modeling figures that look realistic and publication-ready without looking like a default software export?
3D molecular modeling
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Hi! Default exports can definitely look flat and outdated in modern journals. Adding realistic lighting, soft ambient occlusion, and subtle depth of field makes a huge difference. When I wanted to elevate my lab's graphics, I took inspiration from Ella Maru Studio https://scientific-illustrations.com/ . They produce phenomenal scientific images and animations with incredible depth and texture. Studying their rendering styles helped me realize how much proper lighting and shadowing matter when showcasing active binding sites. I highly recommend checking out their portfolio if you want ideas on how to make molecular structures look truly cinematic and detailed.