Long sessions of molecular modeling can be visually demanding, especially when working with bright user interfaces in low-light environments. If you’re using SAMSON, the integrative platform for molecular design, there’s a simple way to reduce eye fatigue: switching to Dark Mode.
Dark mode is a user interface setting that uses darker background colors. It can help minimize glare, reduce blue light exposure, and make it easier to focus on your molecular data—particularly for those working late hours or in research labs where lighting may be dim.
How to Activate Dark Mode in SAMSON
To switch to dark mode in SAMSON:
- Open the Preferences panel (you can press Ctrl + K on Windows/Linux or Cmd + , on macOS).
- Go to Interface > Dark mode.
- Select the dark mode option to instantly apply a darker visual theme.
What makes SAMSON’s implementation convenient is that changes apply immediately when the Automatically test box is checked in the preferences panel. This means you can toggle on dark mode and see the result without reloading the application or restarting your session.
Why Use Dark Mode?
Dark mode is more than just an aesthetic choice. Here are some ways it might be beneficial for users:
- Reduced eye strain: Especially helpful when viewing fine structural details for long periods.
- Improved contrast: Makes colorful molecular structures stand out more clearly against a dark background.
- Better energy efficiency: Particularly on OLED screens where dark pixels use less power.
Switching to dark mode may not be for everyone, but it’s an option worth trying if the standard interface feels harsh at the end of a long day analyzing complex systems or preparing publication-quality visuals.
Customize Further
If you want to adjust other interface settings beyond dark mode, such as tooltip visibility or capture behavior (e.g. when saving images), you can explore additional options under the Interface section in the Preferences panel. SAMSON gives you control over how you want to interact with the platform—visually and functionally.
To explore these options and more, visit the full preferences documentation here: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/preferences/.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.