As a molecular modeler, one of the fundamental tasks you’ll face is loading molecular structures into your modeling platform. Efficiently handling these files can save you time and streamline your projects. Here’s how SAMSON, the integrative molecular design platform, simplifies this process.
How to Load Molecular Files
Loading molecules in SAMSON is straightforward. You can use the menu options Home > File > Open. For even faster access, utilize the shortcut keys: Ctrl+O on Windows and Linux, or Cmd+O on Mac. Need to revisit a recently opened file? Just navigate to Home > File > Recent, where a helpful list of recently accessed files awaits you.
SAMSON automatically selects the appropriate importer based on the file format. By default, the platform supports a wide range of file formats, which you can explore in the list of supported formats. If you need additional file support, visit the Marketplace section in SAMSON Connect, where you can find and add new importers and other extensions to expand its capabilities.
When using an importer, some file types may require specific parameters. Modifying these parameters for the first time sets your preferences, which SAMSON will save for future use. Adjustments and configurations are simple, ensuring every imported file aligns with your needs. Once you confirm the settings by pressing the OK button (or hitting Enter), the molecular file is seamlessly integrated into the software. The imported file will appear in the Document view and in the viewport.
Fetching Molecular Structures Online
SAMSON takes molecular modeling a step further by allowing users to download molecular structures directly from online repositories. The Fetch Structures App, accessible under Home > Fetch, enables you to obtain files in PDB, mmCIF/PDBx, and MMTF formats from the RCSB Protein Data Bank. This feature is particularly useful for rapidly accessing resources crucial for your research.
Conclusion
With its intuitive interface, support for numerous file formats, and powerful importing features, SAMSON ensures that managing and loading molecular files is not a bottleneck in your workflow. Whether you are opening local files or fetching structures from online databases, SAMSON provides a versatile platform for all your molecular modeling needs.
To dive deeper into these functionalities, visit the official documentation page: Loading Molecules in SAMSON.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.