A molecular presentation can contain the right structures and still be difficult to follow if viewers are asked to absorb one idea while the next is already appearing. This is especially noticeable when you are explaining a complex model, comparing stages, or presenting to people who need a moment to inspect what is on screen.
A simple way to create breathing room is to divide the presentation into sections and stop it at a chosen frame. In SAMSON, the Stop animation does exactly that: it stops the presentation at a given frame. The audience can take in the current view before you decide to continue.
Think in ideas, not just frames
Before adding animation effects, sketch the presentation as a sequence of ideas. For example, you might want to introduce a molecular system, focus attention on a particular stage, and then move on to the next part of your explanation. A stop point can mark the boundary between those sections. It gives you a natural place to speak, answer a question, or let viewers examine the current frame.
This is useful when a continuous presentation feels rushed. Instead of trying to narrate every transition in one uninterrupted run, plan a few deliberate pauses where the information changes. The stop itself does not explain the science; it gives you control over the pace at which people encounter it.
Add a stop at the right moment
In the Animator, open the Animation panel and double-click the Stop animation effect. SAMSON places its keyframe at the current frame. Choose the frame where you want the presentation to stop, then add the effect there.
It is often easiest to decide what the audience should be looking at first, and then place the stop at the point where that moment should be held. If you are still arranging the presentation, you do not need to treat the first keyframe position as final: the animation’s keyframes can be moved whenever needed.
Resume when you are ready
When the presentation reaches the stop, continue by pressing Space or clicking the Play button in the Animator’s controls. That makes the pause useful for live explanation: you can take as much time as needed, then resume without having to rebuild the sequence.
A practical check is to play through the presentation and notice whether each stop arrives after the intended point has been reached. If it comes too early or too late, move the keyframe and test again. Small timing adjustments can make the flow easier to follow without changing the content of the presentation.
A small planning checklist
- Identify the moments where the audience should stop and look.
- Place a Stop animation at the frame for each planned pause.
- Play the presentation to check that each stop occurs at the intended point.
- Resume with Space or the Play button when you are ready to continue.
- Move keyframes if the pacing needs adjustment.
Use pauses sparingly and purposefully: each one should give viewers time to process an important part of the story. For the exact steps and related animation information, see the Stop animation documentation.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.