Section 25.2.7.3.2. The graphics state

The graphics state consists of the parameters that determine the exact visual appearance of the graphics objects. The default values of the graphics state parameters are reasonable, so that an image of acceptable quality can be produced quickly. However, to obtain high-quality images which emphasize the relevant structural features, the user must usually fine-tune the rendering by modifying the graphics state parameters appropriately for the various graphics objects.

The graphics state may be modified by using the `set' command at any point in the script file. The change can have an effect only on graphics commands below that point in the script. When a graphics command is processed, the object is created according to the current values of the graphics state parameters at that exact point in the script file. It is this property of the graphics state that gives the user a very high degree of control over the composition and appearance of the graphics objects.

A new feature in version 2 of MolScript is the ability to set the colour of residues on a residue-by-residue basis in schematic secondary-structure representations. It is also possible to set the colour of atoms and residues according to a linear function of the B factors.