Communicating molecular motion in a clear and engaging way can be a constant challenge for molecular modelers, especially during presentations or while building educational materials. A common question is: how can we show structure without resorting to exaggerated or abrupt motions?
That’s where the Rock animation in SAMSON can help. Unlike full rotations or object translations, the Rock animation subtly mimics the natural oscillation of molecules around a point—perfect for emphasizing conformational flexibility, breathing motions, or simply making a static model feel more alive.
What is the Rock Animation?
The Rock effect makes a group of atoms pivot back and forth around their geometric center, driven by a vector aligned with the Z-axis. This rocking motion is particularly useful when you want to give a sense of depth and molecular structure without distracting from the overall message.
Rather than spinning molecules 360 degrees or moving them across the screen, rocking gently shakes them to add life and structure. It’s the difference between a spinning globe and one that tilts slightly in your hand.
When to Use It
- Highlighting molecules in presentations, without altering their orientation too much.
- Exhibiting symmetry or dynamic flexibility in biomacromolecules.
- Adding subtle motion to large molecular assemblies to avoid a completely static scene.
Getting Started
To apply the Rock animation in SAMSON:
- Select a group of atoms you’d like to animate. You can do this using the selection tool inside the platform. For help, see how to select atoms.
- Open the Animation panel inside the Animator.
- Double-click on Rock to apply the animation to the selected group.
Once applied, your model will rock between the two keyframes. You can adjust the keyframes on the timeline to refine when and how long the motion lasts.
Fine-Tuning the Movement
To evoke the mood or tone you want in your presentation, consider adjusting the easing curve of the motion. Easing curves can smooth, accelerate, or decelerate the rocking transitions between keyframes. Find the easing options in the Animation panel.
Example and Resources
See what the Rock animation looks like in action:
If you’d like a practical example, check out this public model that uses the Rock effect:
To learn more or revisit detailed documentation on how the Rock animation works, visit the official page: documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/animations/rock/.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at samson-connect.net.