6.2.1 Setting a Global Display Style

To set all atoms to a new display style (wireframe, stick, ball and stick, spacefill or ellipsoid), you must first ensure that no atoms are selected (see Section 2.6.3). You can then use any of the following methods:

Set the required style in the tool-bar Style box, located near the top of the main Mercury window, e.g.

Right-click in the display-area background, pick Styles from the pull-down menu, and select the required style (Wireframe, Capped sticks, Ball and stick, Spacefill, Ellipsoid).

Hit Display in the top-level menu, Styles in the resulting pull-down menu, then pick the required display style.

Ellipsoid settings can be altered (see Section 6.4).

To switch the display of bond-types on or off, use one of the following methods:

Right-click in the display-area background and hit Display Bond Types from the resulting pull-down menu.

Hit Display in the top-level menu, Styles in the resulting pull-down menu, then click on Display Bond Types from the resulting pull-down menu.

To identify aromatic rings by displaying a circle within each ring, use one of the following methods:

Right-click anywhere in the display-area background and select Display Aromatic Rings from the resulting menu.

Hit Display in the top-level menu, Styles in the resulting pull-down menu, then click on Display Aromatic Rings from the resulting pull-down menu.

Display styles can also be set for individual atoms, bonds and molecules (see Section 6.3).