How do I access the advanced features of WebCSD (online structure search)?

Introduction

Our free Access Structures service allows you to search for structures by refcode, compound name or publication DOI. For more advanced searching such as by sketching a substructure or specifying unit cell parameters you will need a CCDC licence.

As this is a web-based service the process of verifying your licence is different from that for desktop apps. The options are

• Your institution may have set up WebCSD access by IP address range - this means that if you connect from a work computer or VPN you will be able to access advanced search features without needing to log in.
• If this has not been set up, you can link your CCDC website account to your licence.

Access by IP address range

This will be arranged between CCDC and the licence holder at your institution. Note that it is only available to customers with a Campus licence or better (at least 250 seats).

If your institution has set up WebCSD access by IP address range but it is not working for you, first try logging into the CCDC website. This is required in some countries due to misuse of the free Access Structures service.

Connecting your licence

If WebCSD access by IP address range has not been configured for your institution, you will need to link your account on the CCDC website to your CCDC licence. To do this you will need to:

• Go to the CCDC home page
• Go to My Account (top right corner)
• Sign In or Register if necessary
• Select "Activate WebCSD" under Licences on the right hand side of the page
  
• Enter your CCDC customer number and activation key
  

The campus licence holder at your institution should be able to provide you with the CCDC customer number and activation key for your institution. If you are unsure of who this is or whether your institution has a licence then please contact us using our enquiry pages.