This page explains how to install Java, and how to enable it in various web browsers. Using Java with Proteopedia or with FirstGlance in Jmol will improve performance significantly. Once you have Java working, you can make it the default in Proteopedia (see Using Java for Rendering Structures) or in FirstGlance in Jmol (with its Preferences).
Even before that happens, common browsers are removing the support for running Java applets (like Jmol) within web pages.
We believe this page is up to date for July, 2017 (Java 1.8.0_141 in OS X, 1.8.0_144 in Windows, Java Release Dates). If you suspect any issues, please email .
The HTML5 implementation of Jmol, JSmol, works just fine in Firefox.
If you would like to extend use of Java in Firefox through early 2018, you can install the Extended Support Release (ESR).
Edge in Windows 10Edge in Windows 10
The Microsoft Edge browser (new in Windows 10) does not support Java. However, Internet Explorer 11 is available in Windows 10 for use with Java. See details below.
The HTML5 implementation of Jmol, JSmol, works in Opera.
Browsers That Support JavaBrowsers That Support Java
Internet Explorer and Safari support Java as of March, 2017. See below for details for each of these browsers.
Firefox Extended Support Release supports Java, at least temporarily (see above).
Pale Moon (Windows only) is an independent browser, very similar to Firefox, whose developer has announcedindefinite support for NPAPI plugins (including Java), and hence is an alternative to continue running Jmol applets inside web pages, at least while Oracle continues to provide the Java Plug-in.
Waterfox (available for Windows and OS X) is very similar to Firefox and supports Java in March, 2016. On OS X (and Windows?), Waterfox shares bookmarks and preferences with Firefox, and both cannot be run at the same time. Waterfox is available only for 64-bit operating systems. It is harmless to download it and try it -- if you have a 32 bit operating system, it won't run.
SeaMonkey (available for Windows and OS X) is a Mozilla-based browser that supports Java, at least in version 2.46 current in March, 2017. It is unclear whether SeaMonkey will follow Firefox in removing support for Java.
Maxthon is a browser developed in China. The Windows version 5.0.4.3000 supports Java, but concerns have been expressed about data that this browser sends back to China (see Security Week, July 2016 and Tech Republic, July 2016 among others). The OS X version 5.0.20 does not support Java.
Security with JavaSecurity with Java
Before proceeding, you should be aware that using Java is likely a security threat -- see Using Java As Safely As Possible. As explained there, Windows users will be safest if they use Internet Explorer for Java, and a different browser, in which Java is disabled, for general web browsing.
Update Your Web BrowserUpdate Your Web Browser
For Proteopedia and FirstGlance in Jmol, Java operates within a web browser (as a "Java applet"). Make sure your web browser is up to date with the latest version.
Internet Explorer (Windows): Start, Control Panel, Windows Update (may be under System and Security).
Firefox (Windows): Click on the Firefox menu at the upper left (or the Help menu), then Help, then About Firefox, which checks for updates automatically.
Firefox (OS X): Click on Firefox in the menubar (top left of screen), then About Firefox, which checks for updates automatically.
Safari (OS X): System Preferences, App Store. Click on the Check Now button. Install any available update for Safari or OS X.
Install or Update JavaInstall or Update Java
Start by updating, or installing, Java. The same procedure is used for Windows, or OS 10.7 (Lion), 10.8 (Mountain Lion), 10.9 (Mavericks), 10.10 (Yosemite), or 10.11 (El Capitan).
If you are using OS 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or earlier, Java is updated through Apple Software Updates.
Use a Java-capable browser: Internet Explorer, Safari, or Pale Moon. (Do not use Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Opera.)
At java.com, click on "Do I have Java?". Then click the button "Verify Java Version".
If nothing happens ("Verifying Java" displays indefinitely), click the Download link and proceed to install Java.
If you are using the Safari browser, you may see "Java blocked for this website". Click on that message to get a dialog where you can trust (unblock) Java for this website:
If you are using the Pale Moon browser, you may see Activate Java Applet. Click on that message to activate. Next you may see a drop-down dialog at the upper left of the browser window that says Allow java.com to run "Java Applet". Click on one of the Allow buttons.
After a brief pause (while the Java Virtual Machine starts), a report will tell you that you are up to date, or that you need to update Java.
If you see "Missing Plug-in" it means that you have no Java installed previously. In that case click Download to download and install Java.
When installing Java, pay attention to the pre-checked "recommended" options to change some browser preferences. You may wish to uncheck these.
Enable Java for Web BrowsersEnable Java for Web Browsers
This applies to both Windows and OS X.
Open the Java Control Panel.
Windows: Start, Control Panel, Java.
OS X: System Preferences, Java.
Click the Security tab.
Make sure that Enable Java content in the browser is checked.
Setting the security level to High is OK.
Click the OK button at the bottom.
Enable Java In Your BrowserEnable Java In Your Browser
Because Java has a history of being a security problem, each web browser has controls to enable or disable Java. Typically it is disabled by default, so it must be enabled.
WindowsWindows
The instructions below were tested in Windows 10, Windows 7 and Windows XP.
In Windows XP, tests were done with Java 1.7.0_71, 1.8.0_45, and 1.8.0_91. Java 1.8 warns that it is not fully compatible with Windows XP, but it installed OK and afterwards, no problems were seen running the Jmol Java applet in the browsers listed below.
Internet Explorer in WindowsInternet Explorer in Windows
Accessing Internet Explorer in Windows 10Accessing Internet Explorer in Windows 10
Windows 10 recommends that you use the new Microsoft Edge browser, but it does not support Java. Internet Explorer 11, which supports Java, is included in Windows 10 but is initially hidden. To access it:
Click Start and type Internet Explorer in the search box. (Do not use Cortana voice commands for this.)
A "Best Match" list will appear with Internet Explorer at the top (see image at right).
Right-click on Internet Explorer and "Pin to Taskbar" or "Pin to Start" or both.
Now you have convenient access to Internet Explorer for use with Java applets.
Internet Explorer: Enabling JavaInternet Explorer: Enabling Java
This procedure should work in Windows XP and all later versions including Windows 7 and Windows 10.
Right click in a blank gray area near the top of the browser window. A menu should open as shown at right.
Make sure that Menu bar is checked.
Open the Tools menu (also available from a gear-shaped icon at the upper right of the browser window) and click Manage add-ons.
In the window that opens, on the left, select Toolbars and Extensions.
In the main list, find Oracle.
Click Java (under Oracle) and make sure it is enabled. If there are multiple Javas, enable all.
Click the Close button.
Go to a Java-applet requiring website, and after OK-ing two permission dialogs, the Java applet should display the molecule.
Here is a link for testing: 1d66 in Java at FirstGlance in Jmol.
If the molecule still is not displayed, the website may be using an older unsigned Java applet. This requires one additional step: see Enable Unsigned Java Applets.
Apple Mac OS XApple Mac OS X
Testing the Jmol Java AppletTesting the Jmol Java Applet
Alternatively, go to FirstGlance.Jmol.Org, enter a PDB code (a small one is 3hyd), check "Use Java", and Submit.
Safari in OS XSafari in OS X
If the molecule does not display, or you get a yellow message saying that the Java applet is not enabled for this website:
Open Preferences from Safari in the menubar.
Click the Security tab.
At "Internet plug-ins", make sure that Allow Plug-ins is checked.
At "Internet plug-ins", click the button Website Settings.
Select Java on the left.
You should see Currently Open Websites, probably with the setting "Off" (or "Ask").
Change the setting to "On" (or "Allow").
Click Done, and close the Preferences.
Reload the page that needs the Jmol Java applet.
You will likely need to allow several permission dialogs.
Above: Steps 2, 3, and 4.
If the molecule still is not displayed, the website may be using an older unsigned Java applet. This requires one additional step: see Enable Unsigned Java Applets.
This step will not be necessary for recently updated websites, such as Proteopedia or FirstGlance in Jmol, that use a Java applet signed by a trusted authority. If you can already see the molecule, you don't need to do this step.
After doing all the above steps, websites that still use the unsigned Jmol Java applet will remain blocked:
The following fix applies to both Windows and OS X.
Open the Java Control Panel.
Windows: Start, Control Panel, Java.
OS X: System Preferences, Java.
Click the Security tab.
In the section Exception Site List, click the button Edit Site List....
Click the Add button, and paste or type in only the domain name of the website, as shown in the examples in the above screenshot. Include http:// but stop before the next slash.
Click OK and confirm saving this website.
Now the molecule should display in the unsigned Java applet.
You may still need to give permission in a dialog like this:
.
