For molecular modelers spending hours in front of a screen, interface fatigue is real. Bright interfaces can cause unnecessary eye strain, especially during extended structural modeling or visualization sessions late at night. Fortunately, SAMSON, the molecular design platform, includes a Dark Mode that many users might overlook—but it’s easy to activate and very helpful.
Whether you’re preparing molecules, analyzing structures, or running simulations, Dark Mode can make a noticeable difference in your user experience. Here’s how to enable it and why it’s worth considering.
What Is Dark Mode?
Dark Mode is a display setting that changes the background and interface elements of applications from light to dark colors. SAMSON’s Dark Mode modifies the entire GUI to reduce brightness while maintaining clarity of tools, icons, and structural visualizations.
How to Enable Dark Mode in SAMSON
Activating Dark Mode requires just a few clicks:
- Open the Preferences panel by navigating to Interface > Preferences, or use the shortcut:
- Ctrl + K on Windows/Linux
- Cmd + , on macOS
- In the left panel, go to Interface > Dark mode.
- Check the option to switch to the dark theme.
You can switch back to light mode at any time by following the same steps.
Why Use Dark Mode?
Here are some specific benefits of using Dark Mode in SAMSON:
- Reduced eye strain: Lower brightness levels can help minimize digital eye fatigue, especially in low-light environments.
- Better focus: A darker interface can help emphasize molecular structures and visualizations in the viewport.
- Battery savings: If you work on OLED displays (e.g., on some laptops), darker interfaces consume less energy.
Is it Just Aesthetic?
Not at all. While some users may choose Dark Mode for stylistic reasons, many researchers adopt it as a functional enhancement, particularly for long modeling or visualization sessions. If you work in a dimly lit lab, are sensitive to bright environments, or simply want a break from standard light interfaces, this quick toggle can improve comfort.
No Need to Restart
When you activate Dark Mode in SAMSON, it applies instantly. No need to restart the software or reload modules. It’s a user-centric design feature built right into the core interface preferences.
Try It Yourself
If you haven’t tried it yet, give SAMSON’s Dark Mode a chance during your next modeling session. You’ll probably find it easier on your eyes, especially during detailed structure inspections or late-night work cycles.
To explore all interface customization options, you can access the full documentation on SAMSON Preferences.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.