For molecular modelers, making adjustments to molecular structures and documents is often an iterative process. However, it’s not uncommon to accidentally delete a key element or make a modification only to realize it may not have been the best choice. This is where SAMSON’s undo and redo history system becomes invaluable. This post will show how SAMSON’s History view helps you explore and control your document history effectively, saving you time and frustration.
Understanding Document Histories in SAMSON
In SAMSON, each document maintains its own unique history, which records all undoable operations performed within that document. This organized history acts as a timeline of actions, allowing users to step back to previous states or move forward to recent ones as needed.
The History view provides a simple visual interface to navigate through these document states. Whether you’re editing, building, or moving structures, this feature ensures you have the flexibility to experiment while maintaining control over your workflow.
How to Access the History View
To open the History view, follow these simple steps:
- Use the menu: Navigate to Interface > History.
- Use keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl + 3 on Windows/Linux or Cmd + 3 on macOS.
Once accessed, you’ll see an intuitive list of actions performed in the document, allowing instant navigation through your work’s timeline.
Undo and Redo Actions
Undoing and redoing changes in SAMSON is as easy as selecting options from the Edit menu or leveraging simple shortcuts:
- Undo: Find it in the Edit menu or use Ctrl + Z (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Z (macOS).
- Redo: Located in the Edit menu or through Ctrl + Y (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Y (macOS).
Additionally, you can directly click on actions in the History view to revisit specific document states effortlessly.
Mind the Limitations
It’s essential to note that not all operations in SAMSON are undoable. For example, if you perform actions that are inherently non-reversible, SAMSON may not be able to restore earlier document states properly. This could result in a loss of data, so always be mindful of the types of actions you are executing when relying on undo/redo functionality.
As you work with molecular designs, SAMSON’s History view provides a safety net, but understanding its limitations ensures you make the most of this capability.
Why the History View Matters
Experimentation is at the heart of molecular modeling. Whether you are testing transformations, building molecules, or analyzing structures, sometimes progress involves moving backward. SAMSON’s History feature empowers researchers to iterate confidently, knowing that they can revisit previous stages of their work.
To see how you can incorporate this tool into your workflow and learn even more details, visit the complete documentation.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON here.