A molecular presentation can move through a lot of information: a structure, a change in viewpoint, an animation, and then the next part of the explanation. But if playback keeps going while you are describing an important frame, your audience may have to choose between listening and looking. That is a small presentation problem with a simple fix: place a Stop animation where you want playback to wait.
In SAMSON, the Stop animation halts the presentation at a specified frame. The presenter can then explain what is on screen, point out a detail, or give viewers time to take in the scene. When it is time to continue, press Space or use the Play button in the Animator controls.
Use a stop to create a natural break
Think of a Stop animation as a pacing cue, not just a way to interrupt playback. For example, you might want to pause after a molecular motion reaches a useful configuration, before moving on to another part of your explanation. You can also use stops to divide a longer presentation into sections that feel like slides: playback advances to a key moment, waits while you talk, and continues when you are ready.
This is especially useful when the content itself needs attention. A moving scene can be compelling, but motion may make it harder to discuss a particular frame. A deliberate stop gives the audience a stable moment to follow your explanation. It also gives you control over when the next section begins, rather than requiring you to speak in time with uninterrupted playback.
Place the stop where you need it
- Open the Animator and find the Animation panel.
- Double-click the Stop animation effect. Its keyframe is placed at the current frame.
- Check whether that frame is the right point for your pause. If not, move the keyframe to the frame where you want playback to stop.
- Play through the presentation and confirm that the pause comes at a useful point in your narration. Resume with Space or the Play button.
The keyframe does not have to stay where it was first added. You can move it, which makes it practical to adjust the timing as your presentation develops. If you change the order or pacing of your explanation, revisit the stop location instead of rebuilding the whole presentation around the original timing.
Plan the pause around the audience
Before adding stops, identify the moments where you expect people to need a little time: a point you will explain in detail, a transition between sections, or a frame you want viewers to inspect. Then place a stop at the relevant frame and rehearse the sequence. Ask yourself whether the presentation waits early enough for you to introduce the point, and whether resuming feels like a clear transition to the next part.
Use stops with intention. A pause after every small change can make a presentation feel fragmented, while a well-placed pause can make a dense explanation easier to follow. The aim is not to halt motion as often as possible; it is to give important moments enough room.
SAMSON also includes a separate Pause animation. If you are choosing between the two, consult its documentation to understand which effect best fits your sequence.
For the exact steps and the related controls, see the Stop animation documentation.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.