Before we start

First of all, you don't need to know Python in order to use Python Molecular Viewing (PMV). However we do recommend to have PMV installed so that you can follow this step-by-step tutorial. PMV is distributed with MGLTools and we assume that you have downloaded and successfully installed MGLTools. If not, click on the Download tab and follow installation instructions. Once MGLTools is installed, start PMV either by clicking on the PMV icon () or by running the pmv script. The default startup configuration has the Menu, Toolbar and 3D Viewer shown in the screenshot on the left.
Note that PMV opens with a docked 3D Viewer. If you prefer the floated configuration, click on the Float Camera icon on the Toolbar. The rationale behind this is that when the camera is docked, accessing the drop down menus located above a docked Camera, forces a redraw in the Viewer. This can be time consuming if there is a complicated display. On the other hand, if the Camera is floating, the ‘control’ portion may become buried behind other windows.

This tutorial covers most commands in the Menu and Toolbar; click Next to get started.