When working in molecular modeling and design, one of the challenges lies in creating clear and concise visual presentations that help convey complex scientific information effectively. Whether you’re demonstrating specific structural features or trying to highlight certain regions of a model, the elimination of visual clutter is an essential step. SAMSON’s ‘Conceal Atoms’ animation offers a user-friendly solution to this problem, allowing modelers to progressively make selected atoms and bonds disappear during animations. Here’s how this feature can make your presentations more impactful:
What does the ‘Conceal Atoms’ animation do?
The ‘Conceal Atoms’ animation makes atoms and bonds progressively disappear across specific animation keyframes. It is important to note that this process does not involve changing transparency levels but operates by adjusting the visibility of nodes themselves. This approach ensures a cleaner and more dramatic way to emphasize key findings and direct the viewer’s focus.
In conjunction with related animations such as ‘Reveal Atoms’ or ‘Disappear,’ this feature provides molecular modelers with powerful tools to create professional, visually-engaging presentations.
How to add and customize the ‘Conceal Atoms’ animation
Using the ‘Conceal Atoms’ animation is straightforward:
- Select the atoms and bonds you want to progressively make disappear.
- Access the Animation Panel within SAMSON’s Animator. Double-click on the ‘Conceal Atoms’ animation effect.
Once applied, this effect uses 4 keyframes to manage the animation process:
- Keyframes 1-2: All selected atoms and bonds are fully visible.
- Keyframes 2-3: Atoms and bonds progressively disappear in sequence. The disappearing order depends on how atoms are arranged in the selection.
- Keyframes 3-4: All selected atoms and bonds are completely hidden.
To achieve the effect you need, simply adjust the placement of the keyframes on the animation timeline. You can also fine-tune the interpolation between frames using the Easing Curve, making transitions smooth or emphasizing specific moments in your presentation.
Practical examples of use
The ‘Conceal Atoms’ animation is particularly useful when presenting complex molecular structures. For example, in instances where non-functional or background atoms are obfuscating important areas of the molecule, progressively hiding them can direct attention to specific interactions or structures crucial for your audience to understand.
SAMSON Connect offers examples of presentations that incorporate this animation for inspiration, such as:
Why use this animation?
The ability to simplify a molecular scene without losing focus on relevant elements is a crucial advantage. By integrating the ‘Conceal Atoms’ animation, molecular modelers and researchers can handle high-complexity datasets while ensuring their audience is not overwhelmed or distracted. This can prove invaluable in both academic and professional presentations.
Interested in seeing the effect in action or trying it out for yourself? Visit the comprehensive documentation for ‘Conceal Atoms’ at this link to learn more.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get started with SAMSON by downloading it at SAMSON Connect.