Are you using SAMSON on a high DPI monitor and noticing that the icons appear unusually small? This can be frustrating, especially during long molecular modeling sessions where clear visuals make a big difference in productivity. If you’re using Windows, there’s an easy fix to scale the icons properly and enhance your overall experience. Here’s how you can adjust Windows settings to resolve this issue:
Steps to Adjust Scaling for SAMSON on Windows
1. Access the Compatibility Settings
- Locate the SAMSON executable on your system. Right-click on it and select Properties.

2. Enable the DPI Override
- In the Properties window, go to the Compatibility tab.
- Click on the Change high DPI settings button.
- In the window that appears, check the box labeled Override high DPI scaling behavior.
- From the drop-down list under Scaling performed by, select System.

3. Restart SAMSON
- Close SAMSON if it’s currently running.
- Restart SAMSON to apply the new scaling settings.
Why Does This Happen?
Modern high DPI monitors pack a lot of pixels into the display, resulting in sharp visuals but also making some legacy software elements appear smaller. By adjusting the scaling behavior in the Windows Compatibility settings, you ensure that SAMSON’s icons and interface scale appropriately for your monitor, providing a more comfortable user experience.
Additional Tips
If you’re still experiencing display issues after trying this method, ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date. Graphics-related issues like improper scaling can sometimes be resolved by updating your GPU drivers or adjusting your system resolution settings.
For more troubleshooting tips, explore the full documentation at SAMSON’s Troubleshooting page.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON here: SAMSON Connect.
