As a molecular modeler, have you ever made a series of adjustments to a structure, only to realize you need to backtrack—but not entirely sure which step to return to? Or perhaps you’ve redone changes so many times you’ve lost track of where you started? Navigating design iterations can be a huge challenge, especially when working with complex molecular structures. Fortunately, SAMSON provides a History view that allows you to explore your document’s action history with ease.
Why the History View Matters
In molecular modeling, trial and error are intrinsic to the process. SAMSON acknowledges this by creating a unique history for each document. This history records undoable actions performed within that specific document. From undoing structural edits to redoing assembly adjustments, the History view is designed to help you seamlessly navigate through your work.
How to Open the History View
Accessing the History view in SAMSON is straightforward. You can either:
- Click on Interface > History from the menu bar.
- Use a keyboard shortcut:
Ctrl + 3on Windows/Linux orCmd + 3on Mac.
Once opened, the History view displays the sequential list of actions performed in your document.
Navigating Undo and Redo
To manage your changes, the History view offers options to undo or redo actions:
- Undo: Revert the most recent change using
Ctrl + Z(Windows/Linux) orCmd + Z(Mac). - Redo: Apply the undone action again using
Ctrl + Y(Windows/Linux) orCmd + Y(Mac).
You can also navigate through different states of your document by directly selecting specific actions in the History view. This makes it easy to revert to an earlier version of your work or reapply critical changes.
A Note on Irreversible Operations
While the History view is comprehensive, some operations may not be undoable. If non-reversible actions occur between undoable ones, SAMSON may be unable to maintain the proper sequence for undoing. To avoid potential data loss:
- Always save your work frequently.
- Evaluate critical changes before moving forward with irreversible operations.
Integrating History with Your Workflow
Whether you’re editing complex molecular assemblies, building structures from scratch, or experimenting with different transformations, the History view can streamline your workflow. Dealing with an evolving structure becomes less daunting when you have control over every action you’ve taken, with the ability to step forward and backward seamlessly.
To learn more about leveraging the History view, check out the official SAMSON documentation at https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/history/.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get started today by visiting https://www.samson-connect.net.