As a molecular modeler, one of the most common frustrations is working with software interfaces that aren’t tailored to your specific workflow. With SAMSON, the integrative molecular design platform, you don’t have to settle for a static interface. Did you know that you can fully customize the visual layout to fit your unique needs? In this post, we’ll walk you through how to dock, rearrange, and personalize the SAMSON interface, so you can optimize your productivity.
Why Customize?
If you frequently switch between tasks—editing molecular structures, running simulations, or using animations—you know that spending time navigating menus or windows eats into your efficiency. A clutter-free and function-focused interface allows you to streamline your workflow and reduce unnecessary clicks. The SAMSON interface makes customization easy with drag-and-drop features and dockable widgets tailored to specific functionalities, such as the Inspector, History view, and Document view.
Rearranging Widgets
SAMSON’s interface is modular, meaning you can move individual widgets (like the Document view or History view) around to suit your workflow. Here’s how:
- Click and hold a widget’s title bar.
- Drag it to the desired location until docking indicators appear.
- Release the mouse to dock the widget in its new position.
For example, if you’re actively tracking a recent set of actions, you can dock the History view closer to the viewport, so it’s within easier reach.
Tip: You can dock multiple widgets together to create grouped tabs. Switch between these tabs as needed to declutter your workspace while maintaining quick access.
Using the Pin Feature
Some windows, such as specific Apps in SAMSON, include a “Pin” icon. This feature allows you to keep a window always on top. It’s useful when you need constant access to specific tools while working on another part of your project. Look for the Pin icon on a window’s title bar, and click it to toggle the feature.
Switching Workspaces
The interface also supports multiple workspaces, which modify the menu representation depending on your focus. Simply switch between workspaces from the top-left corner of the menu. This is especially helpful if you work on distinct project types that require different sets of tools.
Making Adjustments on the Fly
Do you need quick changes without opening settings menus? You can show or hide specific parts of the interface directly using shortcuts:
- Ctrl + 0 for SAMSON AI
- Ctrl + 1 for Document view
- Ctrl + 2 for Inspector
- …and more!
Mac users can use Cmd instead of Ctrl.
Save Your Customizations
Once you’ve docked and arranged the interface to your liking, SAMSON will remember your setup. The layout you design today will launch exactly the same the next time you open the platform, saving you time and letting you jump straight into your work.
Learn more about customizing the SAMSON interface by visiting the full documentation at https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/first-look/.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Start your molecular modeling journey by downloading SAMSON here: https://www.samson-connect.net.