A file that refuses to open can interrupt an otherwise straightforward modeling task. The first useful question is not whether the molecule is wrong, but whether SAMSON has an importer for the file’s format. Importers are the extensions that parse files and bring structures, maps, meshes, and other objects into a SAMSON document. Knowing that distinction gives you a practical way to investigate a failed import without guessing.
First, check the format
Compare the format you are trying to open with the list of formats supported by SAMSON. This is the quickest way to distinguish a file-format question from a problem with the molecular model itself. SAMSON includes default importers, and additional importers may be available through SAMSON Connect.
Keep the question specific: identify the format you need to read, then check whether it is listed as supported. A file containing a molecular structure, an electron-density map, or a mesh may require a different importer because these are different kinds of objects. The importer’s role is to interpret the file and make its contents available in the document.
Separate the workflow from the lookup
Two questions often get mixed together: “How do I open this?” and “Can SAMSON read this format?” They have different reference pages. For the steps involved in opening files and working with documents, see Loading molecules. For a format-by-format check, use Supported formats. This separation helps you avoid searching a workflow guide for a format list—or expecting a format list to explain the whole loading process.
If the importer is missing
If the format you need is not supported, look for an importer extension on SAMSON Connect. That gives you a clear next step before considering whether the capability can be added. If you cannot find the importer you need, the documentation invites users to contact the SAMSON team at contact@samson-connect.net.
When asking for help, make the request easy to understand: name the format and describe the type of content you need to load, such as a structure, map, or mesh. If you are comparing formats, say which one you currently have and what you need to work with in SAMSON. This information keeps the discussion focused on the importer requirement.
Building an importer is a separate path
If you are a developer and need to support a format that is not covered, the documentation points to the guide for generating SAMSON Extensions and the Documentation center. Importers belong to a broader family of SAMSON extensions: they handle reading files, while exporters are the corresponding family for writing files. Keeping those roles distinct helps you find the right documentation for the task.
A quick decision path
- Need to open a file? Start with Loading molecules.
- Unsure whether the format is supported? Check Supported formats.
- The format is missing? Search SAMSON Connect for an importer, or contact the team.
- Planning to create one? Follow the developer documentation for generating extensions.
This small check can save time: confirm the format, find the relevant importer, and then follow the loading workflow. For more about the importer extension family, see the SAMSON Importers reference.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.