When you open a molecular modeling platform, the first obstacle is not always the molecule. It can be figuring out where to look: the structure is in one panel, useful parameters are elsewhere, and a command you need may be buried in a menu. Getting oriented in SAMSON makes everyday tasks easier because you can quickly match each part of the interface to the job it supports.
The key is to think of the interface as a set of complementary views rather than a collection of windows. The viewport is where you see the document in 3D. The Document view represents its structure, while the Inspector gives access to parameters for selected nodes, such as atoms, residues, or molecules. The History lists actions you have performed. Other panels support specific tasks: the Asset Browser provides access to libraries, and the Animator is for presentations and animation effects.
A quick way to orient yourself
When you are unsure where to go, start with the task in front of you:
- Need to see the model? Look in the viewport.
- Need to inspect what is in the document? Use the Document view.
- Need parameters for a selected item? Open the Inspector.
- Need to review actions? Check the History.
- Need to add building blocks? Look in the Asset Browser.
- Preparing a presentation? Open the Animator.
This simple mental map is useful when following instructions, switching between tasks, or returning to a project after a break. The panels do not all show the same information: each provides a different way to work with the document.
Open panels without menu-diving
SAMSON provides keyboard shortcuts for several interface areas. On Windows and Linux, use Ctrl plus the number; on macOS, use Cmd plus the number. For example, Ctrl+1 or Cmd+1 opens the Document view, and the same pattern with 2 opens the Inspector. History is 3, Asset Browser is 4, and Animator is 7. The shortcuts for SAMSON AI, the Periodic table, Job manager, Python console, and Code Editor use 0, 5, 6, 8, and 9, respectively.
These shortcuts are especially handy when a panel is hidden or your attention is on the viewport. You can also show or hide interface areas through the Interface menu.
Make the workspace fit your task
If a panel is in the way, the Document view, History, and Inspector can be rearranged by dragging their title bars. Widgets can be docked together or undocked; move a widget to the desired location and release the mouse. You can also switch workspaces to change the menu representation. Your interface customization is saved and loaded the next time you open SAMSON.
For frequently used commands, apps, and editors, add them to favorites using the star icon. Favorites appear in dedicated sections on top of the ribbon menu and in the Editors viewport menu. This can reduce repeated searching when you return to the same workflow.
Search when you do not know where a command lives
The Find everything box at the top of the ribbon menu searches available commands, apps, editors, and documentation. Press Shift+E to access it. When a result is useful, you can add it to favorites by hovering over it and selecting the star.
The menu itself is populated by installed SAMSON Extensions, so the available functionality depends on the extensions in your installation. Searching is often the quickest way to locate an available tool without needing to remember which menu contains it.
For the full panel-by-panel reference and more interface details, read the SAMSON First look documentation.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.