3. State Files As Vivant Input

Every Vivant instance starts with a state file. State files are the output of VIDA and AFITT, and contain all the information necessary to recreate the original scene. Vivant reads a state file and allows navigation between fixed points called ``bookmarks." A bookmark captures the current view of the scene, including which molecules, grids and surfaces are visible, how they are rendered, the perspective of the camera and numerous other pieces representing the view. Vivant can walk through these bookmarks much like a slide show walks through slides.

Since Vivant is primarily a viewing tool of these bookmarks, many changes, such as atom color or style, require VIDA or AFITT. VIDA can be launched directly from Vivant through the Vivant menu (see 5.3, The Vivant Icon and the Vivant Menu). Any changes can be sent back to Vivant from VIDA as well (See 5.5, Interacting with VIDA).

Since the last viewed state in VIDA or AFITT may not have been captured in a bookmark, it is automatically saved in a bookmark named ``Start" (or Start (2) if ``Start" is already used). If unwanted, this bookmark can be deleted in the Organize Bookmarks dialog (see 5.4.2, Managing Bookmarks).

				Vivant Getting Started Guide

				Vivant Getting Started Guide