Many molecular modelers face a common problem: getting their structural data into their modeling software. Whether you’re working with PDB files, electron density maps, or other specialized formats, converting and importing these files can be frustrating. Very often, scientists spend more time trying to troubleshoot file format issues than doing actual modeling. If you’ve ever thought, “Why won’t this file load?”, this post is for you.
SAMSON, the integrative platform for molecular design, offers a solution that may save you time: Importers. These are dedicated software components developed to read and parse specific file formats so that you can focus on research, not data wrangling.
What exactly is an Importer?
In SAMSON, an importer is a module that knows how to read a specific file type. Examples include PDB parsers, electron density parsers, and more. These importers allow you to load a variety of structural and simulation-related data types directly into the SAMSON environment.
SAMSON comes with a number of these importers pre-installed, covering common molecular modeling formats. But it doesn’t stop there—you can add more importers by browsing SAMSON Connect, where developers publish their custom extensions. This means the system is always evolving to recognize more input formats, reducing your dependency on external conversion tools.
Still missing a format?
If you’re working with a format that SAMSON doesn’t yet support, there’s a solution. You can reach out to the SAMSON team directly at contact@samson-connect.net. This is particularly helpful for users dealing with proprietary lab software output types or emerging data standards in structural biology or drug design.
Want to write your own Importer?
If you regularly use a niche format that’s missing from the list, SAMSON allows you to build your own importer. The platform provides specific support for developers interested in creating new importers as extensions.
You can begin by referring to the SAMSON Extension Generator. This tool helps you scaffold new extensions, including importers, in a streamlined way. More programming and API details are available in the Documentation Center.
Supported formats at a glance
Before starting a project—especially one involving collaborative data—it’s a good idea to check SAMSON’s list of supported formats. This list helps you ensure compatibility from the beginning and saves time down the road.
Conclusion
In summary, SAMSON’s Importers remove much of the trial-and-error typically associated with loading structural files. They provide an extensible, developer-friendly system that lets you quickly move from hypothesis to simulation.
Looking for more technical details? Visit the official documentation page on Importers in SAMSON to learn more.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download the platform at www.samson-connect.net.