If you’re spending long hours working on molecular models, you’ve probably noticed how harsh bright interfaces can be on the eyes—especially in low-light environments. Whether you’re modeling late into the night or simply prefer a more subdued interface, SAMSON’s dark mode can make a real difference in your visual comfort and ability to focus.
SAMSON, the molecular design platform, includes an optional dark mode that switches its entire interface from light to dark tones. This isn’t just a visual change—it addresses an important pain point for researchers and developers alike: eye fatigue from prolonged exposure to bright screens.
Why dark mode?
Dark interfaces reduce the overall luminance of your screen, especially when working with high-contrast 3D models or bright molecular renderings. Benefits may include:
- Less eye strain when using SAMSON for extended periods
- Better focus due to a less visually intrusive interface
- A consistent theme for users who already use dark mode in other tools (e.g., code editors, operating systems)
How to activate it
Switching to dark mode in SAMSON is very straightforward:
- Open the Preferences panel via Interface > Preferences
- Navigate to Interface > Dark mode
- Check the box to enable dark mode
You can revert to the light mode at any time from the same settings page.
Tip: If you frequently revisit preferences, use the shortcut Ctrl + K (on Windows/Linux) or Cmd + , (on Mac) to open the Preferences panel quickly.
Helps with long modeling sessions
Users working on complex molecular simulations or setups often keep SAMSON open for hours at a time. A reduced-brightness theme helps maintain focus during prolonged sessions, especially when browsing dense molecular scenes or reading fine text in parameter panels.
Good design, not just aesthetics
Dark mode in SAMSON is more than a color palette change. It integrates well with the platform’s rendering engine and makes the visual content (like molecules, bonds, and charges) easier to differentiate, especially when using high-contrast rendering settings like ambient occlusion or bloom effects.
Whether you’re editing a protein-ligand interaction, preparing frames for animation, or adjusting rendering parameters, switching to dark mode might help you stay sharper, longer.
To learn more and explore other customization options in SAMSON, visit the full Preferences documentation.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON here.