# Crys-CAST — Crystal structure viewer

> Local crystallography and molecular modeling structure viewer for mobile devices. (iPhone/iPad app by 子铭 叶.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crys-cast/id6784123301 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [子铭 叶](https://appshunter.io/developer/6784052907)
- Category: Education, Productivity
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.0 · 8 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-06-30
- Data updated: 2026-07-17
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crys-cast/id6784123301/reviews.md

## What is Crys?

Crys-CAST is a local structure viewer for crystallography and molecular modeling workflows.

Open CIF, XYZ, PDB, MOL, SDF, MOL2, and RES files from Files or other apps. Inspect atoms, bonds, unit cells, display styles, display scope, atom labels, scale bars, coordination polyhedra, thermal ellipsoid display when valid anisotropic displacement data is available, and Spacefill views on iPhone or iPad.

For periodic structures, Crys-CAST includes quick mobile analyses: simulated PXRD pattern, crystal plane list, BFDH morphology preview, Structure Check summaries, and Pore Analysis for geometric pore volume and porosity. Pore Analysis uses a fixed built-in vdW radii table, a finite probe, and a periodic grid; the result can be shown as a 3D pore-space surface in the viewer.

Build and organize a local structure library. Structure files stay on device, and archive import/export tools help move collections between devices. Use fullscreen viewer, saved view state, figure export, and presentation-friendly layouts for teaching, meetings, and quick research discussion.

Crys-CAST is designed for inspection and teaching-scale analysis, not publication-grade crystallographic refinement. Always verify important conclusions with source data and specialist workflows.

## Key features

- Local structure viewing
- Supports CIF, XYZ, PDB, MOL, SDF, MOL2, RES files
- Inspect atoms, bonds, unit cells
- Display styles and scope control
- Fullscreen and PXRD presentation modes
- Simulated PXRD pattern generation
- BFDH morphology preview

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crys-cast/id6784123301/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Highly recommended

*2026-07-08*

This is the best crystal structure app I’ve ever used!

## Frequently asked questions about Crys

### What file formats does Crys-CAST support?

Crys-CAST supports a variety of common crystallography and molecular modeling file formats including CIF, XYZ, PDB, MOL, SDF, MOL2, and RES. This allows for broad compatibility with existing datasets.

### Can Crys-CAST be used for advanced crystallographic calculations?

The current version of Crys-CAST is designed for quick inspection and teaching-scale analysis. Advanced refinement, full symmetry expansion, void/porosity analysis, and publication-grade calculations are outside the scope of this initial release.

### Does Crys-CAST require an internet connection to function?

No, Crys-CAST operates as a local structure viewer, meaning structure files stay on the device and all processing is done locally. This allows for offline use.

### What devices is Crys-CAST compatible with?

Crys-CAST is designed for use on iPhones and iPads, offering a mobile-first 3D viewer experience. It is suitable for both handheld and tablet use.

### How often is Crys-CAST updated?

The app was last updated on July 1, 2026, with version 1.0.0. Future updates will likely introduce new features and improvements based on user feedback and development cycles.

### What is the learning methodology behind Crys-CAST?

Crys-CAST facilitates learning through direct visual interaction with crystal structures. Features like the fullscreen viewer, PXRD presentation modes, and simulated pattern generation aid in understanding complex structural concepts.

### Does Crys-CAST offer progress tracking for educational use?

While Crys-CAST provides tools for analysis and visualization, it does not currently include specific progress tracking features for educational courses. Its focus is on providing an interactive viewing and analysis environment.

### Is Crys-CAST suitable for young learners?

With an age rating of 4+, Crys-CAST is accessible for a wide range of users. Its intuitive interface and visual nature can be beneficial for introducing younger students to scientific concepts in chemistry and physics.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.4.2 — 2026-07-13

- Added Viewing Direction for a/b/c, `[uvw]`, and `(hkl)`, with custom input and direction flip.
- Improved structure file import and metal-coordination bonds.
- Fixed long periodic boundary bonds, and added custom connections and optional hydrogen-bond candidates.
- Added a reference for common bond lengths, coordination distances, and hydrogen bonds.
- Added x/y/z scale bars, 25% minimum zoom and a cleaner iPad toolbar.

### 1.4.1 — 2026-07-08

What's new in V1.4.0:
- Added Pore Analysis for geometric pore volume and porosity using a finite probe, periodic grid, and built-in vdW radii.
- Added 3D pore-space display in the structure viewer, with color and transparency controls.
- Improved Pore Analysis responsiveness for common crystal systems and reused calculated results when changing viewer display settings.
- Added a read-only vdW Radii Table in Settings, shared by Pore Analysis and Spacefill.
- Improved viewer scaling, supercell pore alignment, cell-axis labels, Help, and Info text.

### 1.3.0 — 2026-07-04

- Added ADP ellipsoid visualization for structures with anisotropic displacement parameters.
- Added polyhedra overlays with center-element and bond-range controls.
- Added element color settings across all structure display modes.
- Added advanced search filters for name, elements, crystal system, file type, and category.
- Improved local database import, paging, and large collection browsing stability.

### 1.2.0 — 2026-07-03

Version 1.2.0 is a major update from 1.0.0, adding local structure management, reproducible view settings, figure export, database portability, archive import, and lightweight structure checks.

- Added History and My Database for local structure management, including databanks, custom names, pinning, manual ordering, and original source-file export.
- Added View State / Camera Preset support for reproducible figures, including manual X/Y/Z rotation, zoom, projection, depth/perspective, lighting settings, and optional material emission.
- Added adjustable 3D lighting options while keeping the default review-version lighting as the baseline.
- Added figure export with PNG, JPEG, and TIFF support, configurable pixel size, DPI metadata, JPEG quality, and direct Save to Photos for PNG/JPEG.
- Added Crys-CAST databank package import and restore, including metadata, source files, saved View States, and manual order.
- Added automatic same-name databank renaming during import to avoid overwriting local data.
- Added batch import from ZIP, RAR, and 7z archives, including nested structure files.
- Added clear import reports for package and archive imports.
- Added Info / Structure Check summaries with CIF density, Crys-CAST calculated density, formula weight, Z, cell volume, parser warnings, light completeness checks, and basic short-contact warnings.
- Improved search across DEMO, History, and My Database, including element-symbol and crystal-system matches.
- Improved viewer layout, Info sheet, toolbar grouping, language support, and iPhone navigation to reduce accidental back-swipe gestures while rotating 3D structures.

### 1.0.0 — 2026-07-01

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-17.*