For molecular modelers, managing complex workflows often involves numerous iterative steps. Mistakes or the need to revisit earlier stages are inevitable, but losing progress or struggling to undo operations can be frustrating and time-consuming. This is where SAMSON’s History panel becomes an invaluable tool.
In this blog post, let’s explore how you can seamlessly navigate, undo, and redo operations in your SAMSON projects using the History panel. This feature empowers users to take control of their workflows and enhances productivity by providing an intuitive way to manage operations.
What is the History Panel?
The SAMSON History panel records a list of undoable operations, enabling you to backtrack or redo steps within your workflow. Whether it’s adjusting molecular models, running simulations, or modifying visualizations, the History panel ensures you don’t lose track of your progress.
Here’s how to open it:
- Click on Interface > History in the menu.
- Use the shortcut Ctrl + 3 (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + 3 (Mac).
How Does It Work?
The History panel displays a chronological list of undoable operations, allowing you to:
- Undo: Click on any previous state in the list to revert to that moment in your workflow.
- Redo: Step forward in the list if you’ve undone any operations and want to revisit subsequent steps.
Simply click on an entry to jump to its associated state in your project. This dynamic feature makes iterative modeling significantly easier, enabling smooth transitions between different stages of your work.
When To Watch Out
While the History panel is a powerful ally, there are a few limitations to keep in mind:
- Not all operations are undoable. For example, actions outside the scope of SAMSON’s undo management might not appear in the History panel.
- If non-undoable operations occur between undoable ones, reverting back to earlier states might occasionally result in lost intermediary data.
To reduce instances of incompatible operations, plan your workflows carefully and consider saving your documents regularly.
Why It’s Useful for Molecular Modelers
The History panel is particularly helpful for molecular modelers dealing with iterative workflows. For example, when refining protein structures or optimizing molecular designs, it allows you to:
- Quickly backtrack through multiple design iterations.
- Experiment freely with structure modifications, knowing you can revert to previous states effortlessly.
- Maintain control over long sessions without worrying about losing significant progress.
Pro Tip
You can pair the History panel with SAMSON’s saving and versioning tools to create milestones in your projects. This combination gives you added flexibility to return to earlier points if workflows become too complex to manage with the History panel alone.
Learn More
If you’d like to explore more about the History panel and other interface features, visit the official documentation page here: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/interface/.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.