Atom Colors

Element Bromine Carbon Chlorine Fluorine Nitrogen Oxygen Sulfur
Color Name Brown Light Gray Green Orange Light Blue Red Yellow



Note: These colors were assigned during the early 1950's by Robert Corey and Linus Pauling at CalTech who were working on molecular models. They were later revised and improved by Walter Koltun. Thus they are called CPK. Due to differences in tint or hue between monitors there can be confusion between fluorine and sulfur.

Instructions to View Effects

To rotate molecules Use the left button on your mouse, click and hold. Move your mouse.
To change size Use the left button on your mouse and at the same time hold down the shift
key. To increase size move the mouse up, to decrease size move down.
To change display, color, rotation, etc. Use the right button on your mouse while the pointer is on the 3D file.
A pop-up menu will appear with features that can be changed.
  • Rotation: changes between constant rotation and still.
  • Display:
    • Wireframe
    • Sticks
    • Ball & Stick
  • Mouse: Open Mouse Control Help Page