If you’ve ever tried to prepare a compelling molecular animation, you probably know the struggle: how do you control the camera so that it follows your molecule just the way you want it to? Whether it’s docking events, structural transitions, or general fly-arounds, a fluid and focused camera path can take your molecular presentation from good to clear and effective.
The Move camera animation in SAMSON helps solve this by allowing users to define precise paths for the camera—using keyframes—so your scene unfolds exactly as you need during presentations or video exports.
What does it do?
The Move camera animation lets you create smooth transitions between camera positions. Want to fly around your molecule? Simply set viewpoints at various times in your timeline and SAMSON interpolates the motion between them. You’re in charge of both the motion path and pacing.
How to add a camera animation
Here’s a quick overview:
- First, orient your view in the way you’d like the camera to look at a specific time.
- Then, in the Animator’s Track view, navigate to the frame at which this camera position should apply.
- Double-click the Move camera effect from the Animation panel. A keyframe will be added.
You can repeat this for different times in your animation to build up the camera movement.
Refining the camera motion with keyframes
To add new camera keyframes later in the animation:
- Set the new desired camera position by adjusting your view.
- In the Animator’s Track view, go to the right frame.
- Left-click in the track or right-click and choose Add keyframe.
And yes—you can move these keyframes along the track to adjust timing and flow.
Removing or modifying camera keyframes
If a keyframe no longer fits in your animation:
- Right-click it in the track and select Remove keyframe.
To further customize the feel of the motion, open the animation properties and adjust options like:
- Keep camera upwards – useful if you’re toggling the grid and want to control orientation.
- Apply to active camera – especially helpful if managing multiple cameras.
- Easing curve – control acceleration and deceleration in transitions.
Examples in action
If you want to see how molecular modelers are using Move camera, check out these public presentations on SAMSON Connect:
These give you an idea of what’s possible with just a few keyframes. With practice, you can synchronize movements with your narrative or molecular transitions for clearer and more communicative videos.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re making research presentations or educational content, controlling the camera is essential. The Move camera animation is a versatile and accessible way to build those motions with clarity and precision in SAMSON.
To explore all available options and dive deeper into camera animation in SAMSON, visit the full documentation page here.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.