A molecular presentation can move faster than its audience can follow. Viewers may need a moment to inspect a binding site, compare conformations, or understand what changed between two views. If the presentation keeps advancing while they are still processing the scene, important details can be missed.
In SAMSON, the Stop animation offers a simple way to create a deliberate pause in a presentation. It stops playback at a chosen frame, giving you control over when to continue. This can help turn a continuous animation into a sequence of explainable moments—without requiring every part of the presentation to run at the same pace.
Use a stop as a presentation checkpoint
Think of a Stop keyframe as a checkpoint where attention should shift from watching to understanding. For example, you might want the audience to examine a molecular arrangement before you continue to the next part of your explanation. Place the stop at the frame where that view is ready to be discussed. When you are ready to move on, press Space or use the Play button in the Animator’s controls.
This approach is useful when a presentation contains a visually important moment that should not simply pass by. Rather than trying to explain everything while playback continues, you can let the presentation reach the relevant frame, stop, and give viewers time to look. You decide when the next section begins.
Add the Stop animation where you need it
- Move the presentation to the frame where you want playback to stop.
- In the Animation panel of the Animator, double-click the Stop animation effect.
- The keyframe is placed at the current frame. If the stopping point needs adjustment, move the keyframe to the appropriate frame.
The key detail is that the stop is associated with a frame, so you can place it where the visual moment makes sense in your presentation. You do not have to get its position perfect on the first try: the animation’s keyframes can be moved.
Plan the explanation around the pause
Before adding a stop, identify what you want the audience to notice at that point. Is it a structural feature, a change in the scene, or a view that needs a brief explanation? A pause is most helpful when it gives viewers a clear task: look at this arrangement, consider this comparison, or follow this part of the explanation.
It can also help to review the presentation from the audience’s perspective. When playback reaches the chosen frame, does the scene provide a useful place to stop and talk? If the key moment occurs earlier or later than expected, move the keyframe. Then play the presentation again and check that the stop occurs where you intend. This small review can make the difference between a pause that feels purposeful and one that interrupts the flow.
Use Stop when you want playback to halt at a particular frame and wait for you to resume it. SAMSON also documents a separate Pause animation; consult that page if you are deciding which animation suits your presentation.
A well-placed stop is a modest tool with a practical benefit: it gives you space to explain, and gives your audience space to observe. For the precise steps and related details, see the Stop animation documentation.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.