Molecular modeling often involves complex structures with numerous atoms and bonds, making visualization a challenge. This is especially true when you want to focus the viewer’s attention on particular elements or demonstrate a molecular process step-by-step. Improper visual clarity can lead to misinterpretations, confusion, or unnecessary complexity. To address this, SAMSON offers a straightforward yet powerful solution: the Conceal Atoms animation effect.
What is the Conceal Atoms animation?
The Conceal Atoms animation in SAMSON is a tool designed to help you progressively hide specific atoms and the bonds connecting them between two frames of an animation. Unlike adjusting transparency, it uses node visibility to make atoms disappear completely and smoothly. This makes it easier to focus on the parts of the molecule that matter most, providing clarity during presentations or analysis.
How to Add and Use the Conceal Atoms Animation
Adding the Conceal Atoms animation to your molecular project is simple, and it only takes a few steps:
- Select the atoms and bonds you want to progressively hide as the animation progresses.
- Double-click on the Conceal Atoms effect in the Animation panel of the Animator.
The Conceal Atoms animation consists of four keyframes to define its behavior:
- Between keyframes 1 and 2, all the selected atoms and bonds are fully visible.
- Between keyframes 2 and 3, the selected atoms and connecting bonds progressively disappear. The disappearance order depends on how the atoms were selected in the selection.
- Between keyframes 3 and 4, the selected atoms and bonds are hidden completely.
Once added, you can move the keyframes as needed to define when the concealment effect starts and ends during the animation timeline. This flexibility ensures that the animation fits seamlessly into your molecular demonstration.
Note
Remember that you can reposition the animation’s keyframes at any time to adjust its timing and effect.
Enhancing the Effect with Interpolation
The Conceal Atoms animation also provides options to fine-tune its visual output. By modifying the Easing Curve, you can control how the concealment progression is interpolated between frames. This can be particularly useful if you need a smooth transition to focus attention or emphasize molecular dynamics.
Bringing Your Models to Life
To see the Conceal Atoms animation in action and how it integrates with other animations like Reveal Atoms, Flash, or Disappear, you can explore some examples available on SAMSON Connect:
Conclusion
The Conceal Atoms animation is a practical and versatile tool to simplify molecular visualizations in SAMSON. By clearly highlighting or gradually hiding specific atoms, this feature makes your presentations more impactful and increases the accessibility of complex molecular structures for your audience. To learn more about Conceal Atoms and its applications, visit the official documentation page.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can start designing and animating molecular models today by downloading SAMSON from SAMSON Connect.