MolPOV is a graphics file converter that reads Brookhaven Protein Data Bank format files and produces a ready-to-render input file for the Persistence of Vision ray tracer (POV-Ray). The PDB files can be from the Brookhaven PDB itself or from any molecular modeling program that can store structures in the PDB format. A POV setup dialog can be used to edit many of the basic scene features and rendering options. In addition, the program allows launching of the POV program to view the rendering immediately.

Most molecular graphics programs can read and write Brookhaven Protein Data Bank files. Although this format is most useful for proteins, it is a fine format for smaller molecules as well, and the PDB (or "Brookhaven") format has become a common method for saving structure files. MolPOV is more than just a simple file format conversion utility. It produces input files for the fabulous Persistence of Vision (POV) ray tracer, which is a free but powerful 3-D rendering package available for many computing platforms. With it you can render stunning photorealistic images of molecules (or just about anything else) with control of lighting, texture, color, finish, background, etc.

MolPOV allows some level of control over the basic elements of the molecular "scene," including light position, camera position, background, and the finish on your model. Further additions to the scene can be made by directly modifying the *.pov text file produced by the utility as you learn the techniques of the POV-Ray tracer.