Modeling complex molecular systems often requires juggling multiple tools, views, and settings. But all those panels and windows can become overwhelming fast, especially when you’re trying to focus on a specific task like optimizing a conformation or analyzing intermolecular interactions.
Fortunately, SAMSON offers a flexible, customizable interface designed to fit the way you work. In this post, we’ll look at ways to streamline your environment so you’re only seeing what you need—when you need it.
Why customize the interface?
Interface clutter isn’t just an aesthetic issue—it can slow you down. Every second spent hunting for a tool or command is time not spent modeling. Customizing your workspace can reduce distractions and improve your efficiency.
Drag, Drop, Dock
Nearly all the visual components of the SAMSON interface—called widgets—can be repositioned using simple drag-and-drop. That includes:
- Document view: offers a hierarchical view of your system
- History: tracks previously executed operations
- Inspector: lets you modify properties like atom type or charge
To move one of these, click and drag its title bar and release it where you’d like it to dock—either attached to another panel or floating freely. You can dock multiple widgets side-by-side or stack them into tabbed views.
Workspaces for Different Tasks
SAMSON supports multiple workspaces, each tailored for a different kind of modeling activity. Want a stripped-down view for presentations, or a coding-heavy setup with the Python Console and Code Editor front and center? Just switch workspaces from the menu in the top-left corner.
Hide and Show with Shortcuts
You don’t have to reach for the mouse every time. Use keyboard shortcuts to instantly toggle visibility of interface components:
- Ctrl+1 / Cmd+1: Show/Hide Document View
- Ctrl+2 / Cmd+2: Show/Hide Inspector
- Ctrl+3 / Cmd+3: Show/Hide History
- Ctrl+0 / Cmd+0: Toggle SAMSON AI
These shortcuts quickly reveal or hide key tools, helping you maintain focus on what’s important in the moment.
Always-On-Top with Pinning
For windows you want to keep visible—say, an App that you’re configuring—use the Pin button 📌 to keep it from being hidden behind other components.
Favorites: Reach Your Tools Faster
SAMSON’s Favorites system helps you access your most-used commands, editors, and apps. Use the Find everything box at the top of the ribbon menu to search for a command, then click the ⭐ icon to add it to your Favorites section.
Favorited tools appear in their own section at the top of the ribbon and in the viewport menu, allowing you to reach them even faster.
Your Custom Layout, Remembered
Once you’ve set up your environment the way you like it, SAMSON will remember your layout the next time you launch it. That means you’re always ready to jump back in.
To learn more about customizing the SAMSON interface, visit the full documentation at https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/first-look/.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download the platform at https://www.samson-connect.net.