A molecular presentation can contain accurate models, clear labels, and carefully chosen views—and still be hard to follow if everything moves along without a pause. Viewers may need a moment to understand a structural change, read an annotation, or connect one part of the explanation to the next. In SAMSON, the Stop animation offers a simple way to create that moment directly in the presentation timeline.
Stop halts the presentation at a specified frame. Playback can resume when the presenter presses Space or clicks the Play button in the Animator controls. That makes Stop useful not only as a playback control, but also as a way to divide a longer presentation into sections that are easier to explain and follow.
Turn a continuous sequence into clear sections
Imagine presenting a molecular structure in several stages: first orienting the audience, then drawing attention to a region of interest, and finally showing a change in the model. If the presentation immediately advances from one stage to the next, viewers may miss the point of each view. A Stop keyframe gives you a deliberate place to finish one section before moving on.
This can be helpful when preparing a talk, recording a walkthrough, or simply reviewing a sequence at your own pace. Instead of trying to explain every transition while the animation keeps running, you can let the presentation reach a chosen frame and pause there. When you are ready, resume playback and continue to the next part.
Add a Stop keyframe where you need it
- Open the Animator and locate the Animation panel.
- Double-click the Stop animation effect.
- The keyframe is placed at the current frame. If the pause should happen elsewhere, move the keyframe to the desired point in the timeline.
The placement matters: a Stop effect is useful when its frame lines up with a meaningful point in the explanation. For example, place it after the presentation has reached a view you want the audience to inspect, rather than in the middle of a transition. You can adjust the keyframe later, so it is reasonable to add a pause while building the presentation and refine its timing during rehearsal.
Use pauses with intention
A pause is most helpful when it gives people something specific to do: examine a region, read a label, compare what they have just seen, or prepare for the next step. Too many stops can interrupt the flow, while a well-placed stop can make a complex sequence feel more manageable. Try playing through the presentation and notice where you naturally want more time to explain or look.
Stop can also help structure a presentation into slide-like sections. Each stop creates a point where you can complete one explanation before advancing. During a live presentation, this gives you control over when the next section begins: press Space or use the Play button when you are ready to continue.
Stop and Pause are separate animation effects in SAMSON. If you are deciding which one suits your sequence, consult the documentation for the Pause animation as well. The Stop documentation describes the specific behavior and setup covered here.
For the exact steps and animation details, see the Stop animation documentation.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.