When working on molecular modeling, presenting data visually often becomes a crucial task. However, presenting only the necessary parts of your molecular structures at the right time — while decluttering the rest — can sometimes become challenging. This is where the Hidden animation feature in SAMSON can make life significantly easier. Let’s explore how it can help you in building clearer, more impactful presentations.
What is the ‘Hidden’ animation?
The Hidden animation allows you to make selected nodes in your molecular model invisible between specific keyframes. This is achieved by controlling the visibility of the nodes, rather than altering their transparency. This distinction ensures that the nodes are completely omitted from view when hidden, making it especially useful for pinpointing essential components in complex structures or processes without distractions.
Why use it?
When demonstrating structural transitions, enzyme mechanisms, drug interactions, or complex molecular assembly processes, clarity is key. With the Hidden animation, you can:
- Effortlessly focus on specific nodes or elements in your molecular system.
- Streamline your visuals by simplifying cluttered structures.
- Guide the audience by revealing or hiding elements at the correct moment.
How to add and use the ‘Hidden’ animation
Step 1: Select your nodes
Start by identifying which nodes in your molecular structure need to be hidden at specific points in your animation.
Step 2: Apply the Hidden animation
Open the Animation panel in the Animator. Simply double-click on the ‘Hidden’ animation effect. SAMSON will automatically set an initial keyframe at the current frame.
Step 3: Adjust the keyframes
Once the animation is added, you can freely move and modify the keyframes to seamlessly integrate the ‘Hidden’ effect into your presentation. This flexibility ensures optimal timing and positioning of your elements.
Tip
Feel free to adjust keyframe timing after creation to better suit your narrative. This level of control adds precision to your animations.
Enhancing animations with Easing curves
Animations become even more visually appealing when combined with smooth transitions. SAMSON allows you to modify the Easing curve of animations. These curves determine how the transition between visible and hidden nodes takes place, offering various interpolation styles for added customization.
Conclusion
The ‘Hidden’ animation enables molecular modelers to deliver clear and effective visual presentations by dynamically hiding extraneous layers of data. Whether you’re presenting a mechanism or showcasing a conformational change, this tool offers intuitive solutions for streamlining your storytelling.
Learn more about the ‘Hidden’ animation and explore other tools here in the official documentation.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON now at SAMSON Connect.