When preparing molecular presentations or molecular dynamics movies, timing is often everything. A common frustration among researchers and molecular modelers is the abrupt appearance or disappearance of molecular elements, which can be visually jarring or confusing for an audience. If you want precise control over *when* atoms or structures appear during an animation, the Show animation in SAMSON might be exactly what you’re looking for.
The Show animation allows molecules (or more precisely, nodes) to appear at a specific keyframe and remain visible until the end of the animation. This gives users a higher degree of control over visibility compared to changing transparency or using successive animations like Hidden and Shown.
Why This Matters
Let’s say you’re showcasing a protein-ligand interaction. You might want to have the ligand appear precisely when its binding pocket is in view, not before. Or, suppose you’re explaining a docking pathway: different components should appear in a timed sequence to guide the narrative. This kind of fine-tuning makes presentations clearer, more engaging, and tailored to your scientific message.
How the Show Animation Works
The Show animation in SAMSON makes nodes visible at a defined point in time, based entirely on visibility (not transparency). Here’s the mechanism:
- Frames 1 → 2: The nodes are hidden.
- Frame 2: The nodes become visible.
- Frames 2 → 3: The nodes remain visible.
How to Apply It
- Select the nodes (atoms, molecules, structures) you want to animate.
- Open the Animation Panel in the Animator.
- Double-click on the Show animation effect.
- Adjust keyframes by dragging them on the timeline to set when items should appear.
Customization and Flexibility
One great feature of this animation is that you can move the keyframes anytime, even after the animation is set. This allows for experimentation and iterative refinement of your visuals. You can also control how the parameters transition from one keyframe to another using an Easing Curve. This opens up possibilities for smoother, more natural-looking animations that direct your viewers’ attention in a subtle way.
Compatibility Note
Older versions of tutorials may show use of an “Animation” menu that no longer exists. All animation features are now housed in the Animation panel of the Animator. If you’re following tutorials, be sure to adapt this part accordingly.
Useful For
- Presentations: Time the appearance of molecules to match your narrative.
- Educational Videos: Guide learners step-by-step in complex visualizations.
- Molecular Design Workflows: Annotate changes in structure or assembly visually.
To learn more about the Show animation, visit the official documentation page.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON from https://www.samson-connect.net.