Working on complex molecular systems often requires an interface that adapts to your needs, not the other way around. The SAMSON integrative molecular design platform recognizes that molecular modeling is an intricate process and provides a highly customizable interface to streamline your workflow. In this guide, we’ll explore how to tailor the SAMSON interface for maximum productivity and flexibility.
Why Customize the Interface?
The SAMSON interface offers numerous panels and features, each serving a specific purpose such as working with structures, animations, or inspections. However, the default layout may not align perfectly with your needs. Customizing the interface allows you to:
- Place essential tools and views within easy reach.
- Minimize clutter by hiding unused panels.
- Save time by creating a workspace styled for specific tasks (e.g., navigation, data analysis).
How to Rearrange Panels
The SAMSON interface consists of draggable panels such as the Document View, History, Inspector, and Asset Browser. You can rearrange or dock these panels by following these simple steps:
- Click and hold the title bar of the panel.
- Drag the panel to the desired location. You’ll see areas where the panel can be docked or remain floating.
- Release the mouse button to finalize the placement.
This feature also applies to widgets provided by installed SAMSON Extensions. You can dock them together to customize your workflow even further.
Docking Tips
Here are some tips to optimize the docking experience:
- Group related panels, such as the Document View and the Inspector, to keep relevant information consolidated.
- Use floating windows for panels you frequently reference but don’t need visible all the time.
- Experiment with panel placements to find an arrangement that works best for you.
Using Shortcuts to Toggle Panels
To make customization even easier, SAMSON supports shortcuts to quickly show or hide interface elements.
| Parts of Interface | Shortcut (Windows/Linux) | Shortcut (macOS) |
|---|---|---|
| SAMSON AI | Ctrl + 0 | Cmd + 0 |
| Document View | Ctrl + 1 | Cmd + 1 |
| Inspector | Ctrl + 2 | Cmd + 2 |
Save Customizations for Future Sessions
Once you’ve customized the interface, SAMSON automatically saves your layout. Each time you reopen SAMSON, it will retain your preferred panel arrangement, allowing you to pick up where you left off without having to reconfigure the workspace.
The Power of Favorites
If you frequently use specific tools or commands, you can add them to your Favorites. This feature makes them accessible on the ribbon menu or the viewport menu. To add something to Favorites:
- Hover over the desired item in the interface.
- Click the ⭐ icon.
To remove an item, simply click the same ⭐ icon again.
Concluding Thoughts
Customizing the SAMSON interface not only makes molecular modeling more efficient but also enables you to have a workspace that evolves with your needs. Whether you’re analyzing molecular dynamics or creating presentations with animations, SAMSON’s adaptable interface ensures you can focus on what matters most—your research and design tasks.
Learn more about customizing the SAMSON interface by reading the full documentation here: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/first-look/
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON today at https://www.samson-connect.net.