Have you ever made an operation on your molecular model and wished you could easily go back to your previous steps without starting over? Whether you’re editing a complex molecular structure or simulating intricate dynamics, navigating your modifications can be crucial. SAMSON, a molecular design software, offers a feature that’s often underrated but incredibly powerful: Undo and Redo. Let’s dive into how this feature can help you manage your molecular modeling workflow more efficiently.
Track Your Work with Individual Document Histories
In SAMSON, every document you create or modify maintains its own history of changes. This feature allows you to revisit and manage modifications made at various stages without affecting other documents in your project. Imagine working on multiple molecular systems and being able to keep a clear record of each system’s unique progression. This tailored history ensures you never lose track of your work across projects.
Accessing the History View
To access the History view, you can follow either:
- Using the menu: go to Interface > History
- Using shortcuts:
- On Windows and Linux:
Ctrl + 3 - On macOS:
Cmd + 3
- On Windows and Linux:
The intuitive layout of the History view allows you to visualize all actions taken on a document. This means you can see every important step and even pinpoint where to revert or advance.
Editing Beyond One Step: Undo and Redo
Undoing or redoing actions isn’t just about correcting mistakes; it’s about experimenting without fear. For example, you might be optimizing the spatial configuration of a ligand within a protein pocket. You can try several approaches, undo them step-by-step with Undo (Ctrl + Z on Windows/Linux, Cmd + Z on macOS), and reapply actions with Redo (Ctrl + Y on Windows/Linux, Cmd + Y on macOS) to refine your modeling effort.
Interactive Undo Using History View
In addition to the basic Undo/Redo shortcuts, SAMSON allows you to click directly on the desired state in the History view to instantly revert to that specific step. This is particularly helpful when testing various conformational states of a molecule. Here’s what it looks like:

You can also use the Edit menu to perform Undo and Redo actions, ensuring accessibility through multiple workflows.
A Note on Non-Undoable Actions
While SAMSON provides robust Undo and Redo capabilities, it’s worth noting that not all actions are undoable. If non-undoable operations occur between undoable actions, it may limit your ability to restore certain changes. To avoid unintended data loss, consider saving your progress regularly.
Visualizing Your Workflow
Finally, seeing your progress helps you understand the steps that performed well and those that didn’t. The History feature in SAMSON not only saves time by reducing redundant efforts but also aids in documenting and presenting your workflow comprehensively.
Ready to explore more? Visit the official documentation to learn more about managing your workflows effectively in SAMSON!
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get started today by downloading SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.
