1. Home screen
Whenever you open the app, the initial screen will display the animal cell model. To switch the model, just click the buttons located in the left menu: animal cell, plant cell, euglena, paramecium, bacterium, virus and DNA.
![](https://biosphera3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/virtual-cell-tutorial-homescreen.jpg)
2. Control panel
The buttons on the right side of the screen allow you to perform a number of functions. Here’s how each of them works:
![](https://biosphera3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/botao-configuracoes-90-40.png)
Settings
Allows you to switch the language (currently available: English, Spanish and Portuguese), set mouse/touchscreen sensitivity and select the font size of the labels.
![](https://biosphera3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/botao-cor-fundo-90x40-1.png)
Background color
Switches the background color from dark to light, making it easier to see structures.
![](https://biosphera3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/bota-setas-90x57-1.png)
Move
Move the cell model to the sides, up and down.
![](https://biosphera3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/half-button-cell-software.jpg)
Half / Full
This button allows you to split the cell in half, to facilitate observation of the internal structures.
![](https://biosphera3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/botao-zoom-90x29-1.png)
Zoom control
Controls the size of the image on the screen. Note that the scale values vary as the zoom is changed.
![](https://biosphera3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/virtual-cell-tutorial-zoom.jpg)
3. Captions
Hovering the mouse over any structure will highlighted it (red) and display a caption in your chosen language.
Note: two quick clicks on a structure will center it on the screen.
![](https://biosphera3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/virtual-cell-tutorial-vacuole.jpg)
4. Touchscreen
If you are using the software on a touch screen, some functions can be triggered with specific commands:
![](http://biosphera3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/touchsreen-B-90x60-1.png)
Drag one finger
Shows structures’ captions
![](http://biosphera3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/touchscreen-A-90x60-1.png)
Two quick taps with one finger
Centralizes a structure
![](http://biosphera3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/touchsreen-C-90x60-1.png)
Drag two fingers
Rotates the model
![](http://biosphera3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/touchsreen-D-90x62-1.png)
Drag three fingers
Move the model
![](http://biosphera3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/touchsreen-E-90x58-1.png)
Pinch
Zoom control