When preparing molecular animations, one challenge often faced by researchers and educators is controlling exactly when certain molecules or molecular components become visible in a sequence. Whether you’re highlighting a ligand entering a binding pocket or emphasizing structural reorganization during a simulation, showing elements at the right moment is key to producing clear and engaging visual stories.
This is where the Show animation in SAMSON becomes incredibly useful. It provides a simple way to make nodes (atoms, molecules, groups, annotations, etc.) visible at a specific point in time in your animation, and ensures that they remain visible until the end of the segment. This allows for better control over visual sequencing without the need to tweak transparency or manually toggle visibility multiple times.
How does it work?
Rather than manipulating transparency or relying on multiple animation effects like Hidden and Shown, the Show animation simplifies the workflow by handling visibility directly. It involves three keyframes:
- Keyframe 1 to Keyframe 2: Nodes remain hidden.
- At Keyframe 2: Nodes become visible.
- Keyframe 2 to Keyframe 3: Nodes stay visible.
This approach effectively reduces animation clutter. Instead of inserting multiple overlapping effects, a single Show animation can convey the same message with less effort and more precision.
Step-by-step: Adding the Show animation
Here’s how to add the Show animation in SAMSON:
- Select the nodes you want to appear.
- Open the Animation panel inside the Animator.
- Double-click the Show animation effect to add it to your animation timeline.
- Move the keyframes to control exactly when the nodes should appear.
For more refined control, you can adjust how the transition behaves by modifying the Easing curve — useful if you’re aiming for a smoother or more dynamic sequence.
When should you use it?
Think about scenarios like:
- Gradually revealing components of a protein complex.
- Showing reactants just before a simulated reaction begins.
- Demonstrating assembly processes over time.
By combining Show with other animations such as Hide or Flash, you can build even more expressive molecular animations.
Reminder: If you’re following older tutorials, note that the Animation menu is no longer available in the latest version of SAMSON. Use the Animation panel via the Animator instead.
To learn more about the Show animation, visit the official documentation page: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/animations/show/
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.