Molecular modeling often means juggling multiple views, parameters, history logs, editors, and tools — sometimes all in the same session. For many users of platforms like SAMSON, this results in a frustrating reality: spending valuable time rearranging interface elements every time the software starts. If you’ve ever wished your workspace could just stay put, this tip is for you.
SAMSON offers a customizable interface that retains your layout and preferences between sessions. Here’s how it works and why it can streamline your modeling workflow:
Organize Once, Reuse Always
In SAMSON, each section of the interface — from the viewport and history panel to advanced extensions — is implemented as a dockable widget. These can be freely rearranged through a simple drag-and-drop interaction. Want the Document View on the right? The Inspector underneath? Just grab their title bars and place them anywhere.
Crucially, your configuration is saved automatically. Once you’ve arranged your UI to fit your needs and exited the program, SAMSON remembers everything the next time you open it. This simple feature eliminates repetitive setup and supports uninterrupted modeling sessions.
Pinned Widgets and Always-On Apps
Some windows — especially those associated with SAMSON Apps — include a pin icon. Clicking the pin keeps those windows always visible and above others. This is useful if you regularly reference a specific calculator or analysis app while building models, allowing you to maintain quick access without rearranging windows repeatedly.
Toggle Views Instantly with Keyboard Shortcuts
If your screen becomes cluttered, SAMSON also includes keyboard shortcuts to show or hide interface parts. These shortcuts are available on both Windows (Ctrl + number) and macOS (Cmd + number):
- Ctrl/Cmd + 0: Toggle SAMSON AI
- Ctrl/Cmd + 1: Toggle Document View
- Ctrl/Cmd + 2: Toggle Inspector
- Ctrl/Cmd + 3: Toggle History View
This helps you quickly switch between a minimalist setup and a full analytical interface, depending on your workflow moment-to-moment.
Workspaces for Context-Specific Layouts
You can also switch between different workspaces — predefined interface layouts — to better suit your current task. For example, one workspace might focus on visualization and rendering, while another brings forward analysis tools and scripting editors.
One Less Obstacle in Your Research Flow
Time spent rearranging your interface might seem minimal, but it adds up — especially when switching between tasks or frequent shutdowns. By customizing once and letting SAMSON remember, you reduce friction and keep your focus on what truly matters: your science.
To learn more about customizing and managing your workspace, visit the SAMSON interface documentation page.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.