Molecular modelers often spend countless hours creating compelling simulations and animations that showcase molecular dynamics, binding events, or structural rearrangements. But when it comes time to present these simulations in a structured, slide-like format—especially for lectures or reports—it becomes tricky to control flow. The animation just plays… unless you pause manually.
This is where the Stop animation in SAMSON can be a valuable tool.
What is the Stop Animation?
The Stop animation effect is a simple and effective way to break down a continuous molecular animation into customizable segments—essentially turning your molecular presentation into a series of slides. When triggered, the Stop animation pauses playback at a specific frame until you manually resume it using the Space bar or the Play button.
Why Use the Stop Animation?
Many research presentations—especially those involving molecular modeling—require a guided, step-by-step explanation. Without proper pauses, animations can distract from the key points, or rush through important transitions. The Stop animation helps in:
- Highlighting key frames, conformations, or events
- Creating narrative pauses for explanation
- Structuring your animation like a slideshow
This is especially helpful in collaborative settings, lectures, or pitching research results.
How to Add a Stop Animation
To insert a Stop animation effect in your project:
- Open the Animator within SAMSON.
- In the Animation panel, double-click on the Stop effect.
- This will place a Stop keyframe at your current frame. You can drag it later to fine-tune its exact position.
Note
You can always move the keyframes of the animation for precise timing.
Pro Tip: Combine With Other Effects
The Stop animation works particularly well when combined with dynamic effects like transitions, camera movements, and other animations. Start with a molecular rotation, pause using Stop, then zoom into the active site—each segment becoming part of a clear narrative.
If you’re also looking for more subtle pauses without completely stopping playback, consider exploring the Pause animation effect.
Technical Requirements
No extra installation is required. The Stop animation is integrated directly into the Animator in SAMSON’s default setup. It is non-destructive and easily editable, making it ideal for iterative design workflows.
Conclusion
Turning your scientific animations into presentations that flow logically is no longer a challenge. With the Stop animation effect in SAMSON, you can better control how your audience engages with dynamic molecular content—adding clarity and boosting comprehension.
Learn more about the Stop animation at the official documentation page: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/animations/stop/
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Download the platform at https://www.samson-connect.net.