One of the most overlooked obstacles in molecular modeling is having to work in a cluttered or rigid software interface. As your projects grow in complexity, productivity often takes a hit—not because of a lack of features, but because finding and using those features isn’t always intuitive or quick.
In SAMSON, this doesn’t have to be your reality. The platform offers a fully customizable interface that adapts to your personal workflow preferences. Whether you’re running molecular dynamics simulations or building large supramolecular systems, tailoring your environment can dramatically reduce friction and help you stay focused on what matters most: science.
Why Customization Matters
Working in a fixed layout means you’re constantly shifting between different task panels, wasting clicks and mental energy. Maybe you don’t use the Animator daily but always need the Inspector. Or perhaps you frequently switch between editors and want quicker access to your favorites. SAMSON lets you configure it all—quickly and intuitively.
Drag, Drop, Dock
Customizing your SAMSON interface starts with simple actions: drag-and-drop. You can rearrange key panels like the Document view, the History, and the Inspector just by grabbing their title bars and docking them wherever they make sense for your flow. Want them side-by-side in one tab group? No problem. Prefer floating windows on your secondary monitor? That’s an option too.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Fast Toggling
Another light but powerful feature is keyboard shortcuts to show or hide interface components. For example:
Ctrl + 1/Cmd + 1toggles the Document viewCtrl + 2/Cmd + 2toggles the InspectorCtrl + 3/Cmd + 3toggles the History
These shortcuts are especially useful when working on smaller screens or when switching rapidly between different tasks.
Focus with Workspaces
If you wear multiple hats—modeler, animator, code scripter—switching workspaces helps you focus. In the top-left corner of the interface, you can select different workspaces that change menu layouts to better suit the task at hand.
Pin What Matters
Some windows, such as App interfaces, have a pin icon to keep them always on top. If there’s a tool you reference repeatedly, pin it to make sure it’s never buried under other panels.
Save Your Layout
All your rearrangements are saved automatically. The next time you open SAMSON, your customized interface loads with it—no setup required.
Streamline Even Further with Favorites
Want even quicker access to your most-used tools? Use the Find everything search bar at the top of the ribbon menu to add commands, apps, and editors to your Favorites. These will then appear at the top of the ribbon menu and in the Editors menu on the left side of the viewport.
Once you’ve experienced a streamlined, personalized interface, going back to a default layout feels like a step backward. Make SAMSON yours, and let your workspace support your scientific thinking instead of interfering with it.
To learn more, visit the official SAMSON interface documentation.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download the SAMSON platform at https://www.samson-connect.net.