Molecular modelers often juggle multiple tasks: building structures, transforming geometries, applying selection tools, and more. Every operation requires precision, and switching gears between different tools should be seamless. That’s where the editor system in SAMSON comes in. Understanding how editors work can save valuable time and enhance modeling efficiency—especially when you’re working across complex systems or running multiple simulations.
In SAMSON, editors are modular tools that respond to user inputs—things like mouse clicks and keystrokes—to perform specific editing tasks. They range from simple selection boxes to sophisticated transformation and structure generation utilities. What’s essential to grasp is that:
- Only one editor is active at a time. This means selecting a new tool will automatically deactivate the current one.
- Editors can be accessed from multiple interface elements: the menu on the left, the top-left quick-access commands, or even through the global search function called Find everything.
Here’s what the editor menu looks like:
Why this matters
Imagine needing to build a nanotube, tweak its geometry, and then rotate it into the right orientation. In many software platforms, that would mean hunting through nested menus or toggling layers of toolbars. In SAMSON, activating an editor instantly configures the workspace for that tool’s specific interaction model—saving brainpower and mouse clicks. You can go from sketched idea to shaped object in just moments.
For instance, activating the “Nanotube Generator” editor provides all necessary controls to create complex carbon-based structures in just a few clicks:
But SAMSON doesn’t stop at a one-size-fits-all set of tools. While several editors are bundled by default, a wide ecosystem lives on SAMSON Connect where you can find more specialized editors developed by the community. Whether you need a new kind of deformation tool or a specific rigid-body manipulation editor, it’s likely just a few clicks away.
Tips for smoother workflows
- Use the left-hand editor menu for organized browsing of available tools.
- Switch between editors using the quick-access bar in the top-left corner to avoid taking your eyes off the viewport.
- Search for specific editors by name or function using the Find everything box when you’re unsure where a specific tool lives.
- Explore editor development if you need a custom tool. SAMSON’s Extension Generator framework supports creating new interaction models tailored to your workflow.
Understanding and leveraging the editor system helps make your modeling more intentional and fluid. It’s a simple switch that can reshape how you approach atom-scale design challenges.
To learn more, visit the official documentation page: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/editors/
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.