When working on complex molecular models, switching between different parts of a system can become time-consuming. Maybe you’re revisiting a ligand binding pocket, comparing crystal orientations, or navigating between molecular assemblies in a large simulation setup. Scrolling, zooming, and panning each time is not only inefficient—it can break your focus.
This is where multiple cameras in SAMSON become a practical tool that can help you streamline visual exploration. In SAMSON, each document typically has one camera, but you can add more to facilitate fast transitions between custom viewpoints.
Why Add Multiple Cameras?
Adding multiple cameras in your molecular design document lets you:
- Switch instantly between close-up and full structure views
- Save and revisit specific orientations (e.g., active sites, entry channels)
- Create orthographic projections for crystalline structures
- Compare different conformations from the same viewpoint
This visual bookmarking can be especially helpful when analyzing large biomolecular systems or during presentations when you need to guide others through structural features.
How to Add and Use Multiple Cameras
To add a camera, go to the Visualization > Camera menu. You can also press Ctrl+Shift+C (or Cmd+Shift+C on macOS).
Each new camera starts at a default position. To customize it:
- Navigate to the desired viewpoint using the default camera
- Add a new camera
- The new camera inherits the current view
You can then double-click on any camera in the Document view to activate it. Alternatively, right-click a camera and select Set as active camera.
Accessing Camera Options
Right-clicking on a camera entry in the Document view reveals a context menu that allows you to:
- Center the camera on a selection or the whole document
- Enable camera inertia for smoother movements
- Toggle orthographic projection (great for crystallography)
- Move cameras independently
Fine-Tune Camera Properties
You can use the Inspector window to adjust camera settings like position, zoom, inertia, and projection characteristics. Simply select a camera and open the Inspector to access these properties.
When This Matters
If you’re iteratively analyzing docked configurations, morphing structures, or comparing dynamic trajectories, switching between predefined camera views saves you repetitive manipulation. This can also help maintain consistency when generating images or videos for publication or collaboration.
To learn more about camera features in SAMSON, visit the official documentation page.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.