Molecular modelers often spend long hours analyzing structures, running simulations, and visualizing results. A common and frustrating pain point? Wasted time rearranging software interfaces, hunting for tools, or trying to recreate the same setup with every new session. Fortunately, the SAMSON platform provides a flexible interface that addresses this problem directly — and efficiently.
In this post, we’ll explore how customizing the SAMSON interface can help streamline your molecular design workflow, reduce repetitive tasks, and give you more time to focus on what really matters: molecules.
Make your interface your own
In SAMSON, the interface is fully modular. Widgets like the Document view, History, and Inspector can all be rearranged to fit your preferred workflow. Simply click on a widget’s title bar and drag it to the desired location. You can dock it next to other panels, float it freely, or even hide it if you don’t need it right now.
This is particularly helpful when transitioning between tasks, such as visualizing complex systems, setting up animations, or adjusting molecular parameters. You can build workspaces tailored to each activity and switch between them quickly.
Use keyboard shortcuts to reclaim time
If you want to declutter or refocus your workspace, SAMSON supports direct keyboard shortcuts to show or hide specific elements of the interface. For example:
- Ctrl+1 / Cmd+1: Toggle the Document view
- Ctrl+2 / Cmd+2: Toggle the Inspector
- Ctrl+4 / Cmd+4: Toggle the Asset browser
These shortcuts let you adapt your screen with minimal interruption — no need to dig through menus each time you want to bring a tool up or hide an unused panel.
Favorites: a personalized ribbon
You can also save time by adding frequently used commands, apps, or editors to your Favorites. They’ll appear as a special section at the top of the ribbon menu and accessible from the viewport. This is particularly useful if you regularly use a specific simulation, visualization tool, or analysis plugin.
Just use the Find everything search bar (shortcut: Shift + E) to search for tools and click the 
icon to favorite them. You can remove items the same way — it’s a dynamic list that evolves with your needs.
Your layout, preserved
Once you’ve set up your interface exactly the way you want it, there’s no need to repeat the process every time. SAMSON automatically saves your interface layout and reloads it when you launch the application again.
This means that your custom workspace is persistent — even across system reboots. Whether you’re modeling RNA folding paths or assembling nanostructures, you can pick up right where you left off.
Consistent environments for multi-step tasks
Many molecular design tasks involve multiple steps, often executed with different tools. With SAMSON’s customizable interface, you can prepare workspaces tuned to specific tasks — such as analysis, editing, or presentation — and switch between them using the workspace switcher in the top-left corner of the menu.
This design accelerates transitions and ensures that panels and views are always where you expect them to be. It’s a small change that contributes to a much smoother experience overall.
To learn more about customizing the SAMSON interface, visit the full guide at https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/first-look/.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.