Switching between different tools and windows is one of the biggest time sinks when modeling molecular systems. Whether you’re analyzing a protein structure, building ligands, or running simulations, flipping repeatedly between visualizers, inspectors, history panels, and asset libraries can disrupt your concentration.
If you’ve ever thought “I wish I could just move this panel here” or “I only need these tools visible right now,” then you’ll be happy to discover something: SAMSON lets you customize your interface layout exactly the way you want it.
This blog post walks through how to set up your SAMSON workspace in a way that matches your modeling style — helping you get more done, with fewer clicks.
Flexible panels at your fingertips
Key interface components like the Document view, Inspector, and History can be rearranged in SAMSON using nothing but drag-and-drop. To rearrange, simply click on the title bar of any panel, drag it to your target location, and release it where you’d like it docked.
Everything from the Asset browser to the Code Editor can be docked together in adjacent tabs, floating windows, or side panels. If you find yourself repeating similar modeling workflows, try reorganizing panels to group frequently used tools together. This small adjustment can streamline your modeling experience significantly.
Control your workspace with simple shortcuts
Once you’re familiar with the different parts of the interface, you can toggle them on or off at any time using keyboard shortcuts. Here are a few useful ones (for Windows/Linux, use Ctrl; for macOS, use Cmd):
- Document view: Ctrl + 1
- Inspector: Ctrl + 2
- History: Ctrl + 3
- Asset browser: Ctrl + 4
- Animator: Ctrl + 7
This way, you can quickly focus on what’s most relevant to your task without navigating through menus or right-click options.
Switching workspaces: one-click context switching
Do you perform a mix of tasks like building molecules, editing animations, or scripting in Python? You can switch between different workspaces in SAMSON to load layouts optimized for different activities. Just use the dropdown in the top-left corner of the menu.
Each workspace shows a different set of menus, ribbon items, and interface layouts. It’s a great way to separate your modeling modes and avoid clutter when you don’t need certain tools.
Prioritize your go-to commands with Favorites ⭐
Some commands, apps, or editors are just… indispensable. With the Find everything search box, you can locate any SAMSON tool and instantly add it to your Favorites by clicking the ⭐ icon. These appear at the top of the ribbon menu and inside the Editors viewport for quick access.
You can remove items from Favorites later by simply clicking the star icon again — no hoops to jump through.
Final thoughts
Everyone has a different approach to molecular modeling. SAMSON doesn’t force you into a one-size-fits-all interface — it lets you mold the platform to how you work best. Taking just a few minutes to customize the interface or set up different workspaces can lead to measurable improvements in focus and productivity.
To dive deeper and see specific layout examples, shortcuts, and docking behavior, visit the official SAMSON interface documentation.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.