For many molecular modelers, switching between apps, editors, and panels slows down their workflow. While SAMSON provides a rich and modular interface, not everyone realizes just how customizable it is. If you ever thought, “I wish this panel were over here,” or “Why can’t I hide this window when I don’t need it?”—you’re in luck.
In this post, we’ll explore how to personalize the SAMSON interface so it fits your modeling habits—whether you’re focusing on building, editing, analyzing, or presenting molecular systems. Customizing your interface isn’t just about convenience—it’s about focus and efficiency.
Arrange windows your way
Any view in SAMSON—like the Document view, History, and Inspector—can be rearranged using simple drag-and-drop gestures. You can dock, undock, stack, or float any view depending on your screen layout or task. Grab their title bars, drag them to a new spot, and release. Many users create dual-monitor setups where certain widgets are always visible while others collapse when not in use.
Prefer minimal distractions? You can hide parts of the interface with dedicated shortcuts. For example, on Windows or Linux, press Ctrl+1 to show or hide the Document view, Ctrl+2 for the Inspector, or Ctrl+4 for the Asset browser. On Mac, use Cmd instead of Ctrl.
Pin, float, or auto-hide
Some windows have a pin icon () to keep them always on top. This helps when running apps like simulations while monitoring parameters in the Inspector.
Switch between workspaces
If you use different workflows—say, building vs. animating—you can switch between workspaces to change your entire interface configuration, including menus and panels. Each workspace can be customized independently, providing a seamless transition between tasks.
Add your favorite tools on top
Streamline your menu by adding commands, apps, and editors to your Favorites. These appear at the top of the ribbon menu and in the viewport’s editor section. When searching in the Find everything box (shortcut: Shift+E), a star icon will appear next to each result. Click it to add the item to your favorites—or click again to remove it.
Preserved between sessions
Once you’ve set up your interface the way you like, SAMSON saves it automatically. The next time you launch the platform, your layout is restored just the way you left it. This ensures a consistent environment across work sessions.
Having an interface that reflects how you work is not just about aesthetics—it reduces menu digging, streamlines workflows, and reduces frustration. Whether you’re deep into multiscale modeling or simply tweaking molecular geometries, this flexibility can save real time.
To learn more, visit the full SAMSON interface documentation.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.