A molecular presentation can move too quickly even when every camera angle and animation is correct. A structure appears, a detail comes into view, and the presentation has already moved on before someone can understand what they are looking at. This is especially frustrating when viewers need a moment to inspect a binding site, compare a structural feature, or follow an explanation.
In SAMSON, the Pause animation provides a simple way to create that breathing room: it pauses the presentation at a chosen frame for a specified number of seconds. Instead of adding more movement or narration, you can let a meaningful view stay on screen long enough to be noticed.
Choose the moment before choosing the duration
Start by identifying the frame where viewers need time. It might be the point at which a particular molecular arrangement becomes visible, or simply a still view that supports the next part of your explanation. The pause is most useful when it has a clear purpose: giving the audience time to observe, read, or connect one idea to the next.
Think of the duration as part of the explanation, not just a technical setting. A brief pause can separate two visual steps; a longer one may be appropriate when you are asking viewers to examine a complex view. There is no single duration that works for every presentation, so consider what the audience needs to do during the pause.
Add and position the pause
In the Animation panel of the Animator, double-click the Pause animation effect. SAMSON places its keyframe at the current frame. If that is not the moment you want to hold, move the keyframe to the appropriate position. You can move animation keyframes, so you can refine the timing as you review the presentation.
A practical way to work is to first find the frame that communicates the point, then add the pause there. Review the sequence and ask: does the pause begin at the right moment, and does the presentation resume before the audience loses the thread? These are editorial checks rather than fixed rules, but they help keep a pause purposeful.
Set the duration in the Inspector
To specify how long the presentation pauses, select the Pause animation node in the Document view, then inspect it in the Inspector. This separates two useful decisions: the keyframe determines when the pause occurs, while the animation’s duration determines how long it lasts.
If the timing feels off, check both decisions. A suitable duration cannot fix a pause placed at the wrong frame, and a well-chosen frame may still need more or less time on screen. Adjust the keyframe or duration as needed, then review the presentation again.
Use pauses to make a presentation easier to follow
A pause is a small timing choice with a practical effect: it gives viewers a chance to catch up with what the molecular view is showing. Use it at moments where attention matters, rather than placing pauses everywhere. If you are deciding between holding on a frame and ending a presentation, SAMSON also documents a Stop animation.
For the exact steps and animation details, see the Pause animation documentation.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.