When working on complex molecular models, it’s common to make adjustments: moving atoms, tweaking bonds, or experimenting with designs. Success often relies on iteration and experimentation, but sometimes, errors or unwanted changes can creep in. What if you could easily step back in time or quickly redo your last step?
With SAMSON, the integrative molecular design platform, managing your modeling history is effortless thanks to its Undo and Redo features. This blog post will help you leverage these tools to streamline your molecular modeling process and avoid painstaking rework.
Every Document Has Its Own History
One of the unique aspects of SAMSON is its document-driven approach to undoable actions. Each
document—whether it's a single molecular structure or a large system—maintains its own history list. This means every step you take is tracked independently for each document, keeping your workflow highly organized. But why does this matter?
For a molecular modeler, juggling multiple systems is par for the course. Whether comparing two potential molecular designs or testing different scenarios, having a separate history means you won’t mix changes or accidentally lose your place – making it easier to pick up right where you left off.
Simple Navigation Through Time
Using SAMSON’s History view, you gain a visual representation of all the actions performed on a document. Think of it as having a photographic timeline of your modeling steps, where each action is just a click away.
Opening the History view is straightforward:
- Navigate to Interface > History, or
- Use the keyboard shortcut:
- On Windows or Linux: Ctrl + 3
- On Mac: Cmd + 3
Once the History panel is open, navigate through the states of your document simply by clicking on actions in the list. This provides a tangible way to rewind and fast-forward through your edits without guesswork.
Redo/Undo: Your Safety Net
If you need more precision, SAMSON integrates familiar undo and redo commands directly in the Edit menu. For keyboard enthusiasts, shortcuts make the process instantaneous:
- Undo:
- Ctrl + Z (Windows/Linux)
- Cmd + Z (Mac)
- Redo:
- Ctrl + Y (Windows/Linux)
- Cmd + Y (Mac)
Limitations and Best Practices
It’s important to note that not all operations are undoable. For example, in cases where non-undoable actions occur between editable steps, SAMSON may be unable to properly revert the state of your document. This could lead to potential data loss.
To minimize risks:
- Regularly save your work.
- Use the History view to track your steps and identify non-undoable changes.
Staying organized and confident in your workflow has never been easier. With SAMSON’s Undo and Redo tools, you have a safety net that lets you model and experiment freely. Don’t let mistakes slow you down—step forward and backward in time with ease.
To learn more about the History functionality, visit the official documentation page.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Download SAMSON for free at https://www.samson-connect.net.