For molecular modelers, creating clear and impactful presentations can be a significant challenge, especially when aiming to simplify the visual complexity of molecular structures. The Conceal atoms animation in SAMSON offers an elegant solution by progressively making selected atoms and bonds disappear between animation frames. This can help highlight specific regions of a molecule or streamline your visual focus, all while maintaining advanced control over the animation process.
Why use the Conceal Atoms animation?
When visualizing molecular models, the sheer number of atoms and bonds in complex systems can make it difficult to direct attention to essential aspects. The Conceal Atoms animation enables modelers to gradually hide parts of a structure, ensuring smoother transitions and clarity without compromising the rest of the molecular model.
The effect stands out because it alters the visibility of the selected nodes rather than using transparency effects. This approach provides a sharp, professional presentation style that feels intuitive and doesn’t overwhelm your audience.
Adding the Conceal Atoms animation
Here’s how you can use this function in your animations:
- Select atoms and bonds: Begin by choosing the specific parts of the molecular model you want to conceal progressively. Consider areas that might not be the focus but would benefit your presentation by being hidden over time.
- Add the animation effect: Double-click the Conceal atoms effect in the Animation panel of the Animator. This will apply a customizable animation sequence to your selection.
How the animation flows
The Conceal Atoms animation is structured with 4 keyframes:
- Keyframes 1–2: All specified atoms and bonds are fully visible.
- Keyframes 2–3: Atoms and bonds are progressively hidden based on their order in the selection. This controlled fading can help draw attention to what remains visible.
- Keyframes 3–4: All selected atoms and bonds are completely hidden.
You have full freedom to adjust the positions of these keyframes to tailor the animation’s timing and impact.
Further customization
By modifying the Easing curve, you can fine-tune how properties are interpolated between frames. This ensures smoother, more natural transitions that align with your specific project requirements.
Practical Examples
Looking for inspiration? Check out these demonstrations available on SAMSON Connect that effectively use the Conceal Atoms animation:
These examples illustrate how to use this animation creatively to enhance your molecular modeling projects.
Start streamlining your molecular visualizations with the Conceal Atoms animation. To dive deeper into its features and applications, explore the full official documentation.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at samson-connect.net.