When working on complex molecular models, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the tools available. From deforming structures to generating nanotubes or selecting regions of a model, the number of functionalities can pile up quickly in a molecular modeling interface.
In SAMSON, tools that respond directly to user interactions like mouse clicks or keyboard shortcuts are called editors. But here’s a detail that can stop confusion before it starts: you can only have one active editor at a time.
Why does SAMSON only allow one active editor?
This design decision answers a common pain point for molecular modelers: accidental tool conflicts. Imagine trying to adjust a rigid-body transformation while the selection tool is also interpreting your mouse input. Keeping only one editor active ensures your inputs are always interpreted the right way, which makes modeling more intuitive and avoids unpredictable results.
Where Do You Find Editors?
You can find editors in multiple places in the interface:
- Left-side menu in the SAMSON viewport
- Top-left quick access for the current active editor
- Or by using the powerful Find everything search bar at the top
Here’s what the editor menu looks like:
What Can Editors Do?
Editors are varied and cover many modeling operations. Some examples include:
- A nanotube generator that lets you build carbon nanotubes quickly
- A selection tool to highlight regions or atoms within molecules
- A rigid-body transformation editor to reposition molecular structures
- A structure deformation tool while maintaining molecular integrity
By limiting activity to just one editor at a time, SAMSON avoids conflicts and ensures tool-specific behaviors remain predictable. This improves modeling efficiency and reduces unwanted surprises during your workflow.
Can I Add More Editors?
Yes! SAMSON comes with a set of built-in editors, but you can expand your toolbox by adding more from SAMSON Connect. This makes the editor system flexible and user-adaptable.
Thinking of Making Your Own Editor?
If you have specific tasks or tools in mind, you can create your own editors as part of developing SAMSON Extensions. Take a look at the Extension Generator documentation to get started.
Learn more in the full Editors documentation page.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. To get started, download SAMSON at samson-connect.net.