When presenting molecular models, clarity and control over visibility are essential—especially for highlighting specific components or creating smooth transitions. A common challenge among molecular modelers is how to progressively fade out parts of a structure without removing them abruptly. Fortunately, SAMSON provides a built-in solution with the Disappear animation effect.
This feature allows you to gradually increase the transparency of selected model components, helping you guide your audience’s attention subtly and avoid visual clutter. Whether you’re highlighting active sites, hiding surrounding labels, or preparing frames for an animation, progressive disappearance is a handy visual cue that adds polish and clarity.
What Does the Disappear Animation Do?
Unlike a simple hide feature, the Disappear animation works by transitioning the transparency of selected nodes. Supported node types include:
- Structural models
- Visual models
- Meshes
- Labels
Keep in mind that individual atoms or bonds do not directly support opacity changes; you need to apply the animation to their parent structural models.
Why It Matters
For anyone creating visuals or movies of molecular structures, abrupt visual changes can distract or confuse viewers. The Disappear animation offers a non-disruptive way to logically phase out parts of your model step by step—all while staying in full control through the Animator panel.
How to Add the Disappear Animation
- Select the nodes you want to make disappear.
- Open the Animation panel within the Animator.
- Double-click on the Disappear animation effect.
This animation includes four keyframes:
- Keyframe 1–2: Nodes remain fully visible (opaque).
- Keyframe 2–3: Nodes fade out by increasing transparency.
- Keyframe 3–4: Nodes are fully transparent.
You can easily reposition the keyframes along the timeline to synchronize model disappearance with other visual effects. Additionally, you can adjust how the opacity changes over time by editing the Easing curve.
Use Example: Show & Fade
Below is an example from SAMSON where both Appear and Disappear effects are used to control visibility fluidly. You can see how these transitions help communicate model features with clarity:
Tips
- Use Disappear to transition from complex to simplified visuals.
- Enhance animations with complementary effects like Appear or Pulse.
- Combine with camera movement in Animator for dynamic storytelling.
To learn more, visit the full documentation page: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/animations/disappear/
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.