If you’ve ever tried to open a structure file in your molecular modeling software and been met with a blank screen or an error message, you’re not alone. Molecular modelers often work with a wide variety of file formats—PDB, mmCIF, Gaussian output, electron density maps—and not every platform can interpret them all accurately.
This is where importers in SAMSON make a difference. Rather than being limited to a specific set of file types, SAMSON uses importers—dedicated modules that parse different file formats—to give users flexibility in loading structures and related molecular data.
What Are SAMSON Importers?
Importers in SAMSON are small programs that know how to read specific types of files. Think of them as translators. For example, a PDB importer translates the contents of a Protein Data Bank file into 3D molecular models; a density map importer does the same for experimental electron density data.
By default, SAMSON includes several commonly used importers so you can load structures and other molecular data out of the box. But if you’re working with less common formats (or experimental data), you can easily add more from SAMSON Connect—a hub for extensions developed by the community and the SAMSON team.
Why Should You Care?
The world of molecular modeling is full of heterogeneity. For instance, crystallographers frequently share data in CIF format, while computational chemists might prefer XYZ or Gaussian log files. If your platform doesn’t support a given format, you’re forced into time-consuming rewrites or format converters—both of which increase the risk of error.
With SAMSON’s modular importer system, you can avoid these pitfalls. You can:
- Quickly load a new file format by installing a new importer from SAMSON Connect.
- Get native support for complex molecular entities.
- Focus on your science rather than fixing file format issues.
What If SAMSON Doesn’t Support Your Format?
If you come across a file type that SAMSON can’t import yet, there are still options. First, you can check the full list of formats supported by SAMSON. If your format isn’t listed, you can contact the SAMSON team directly. They actively maintain the platform and are receptive to user feedback.
Additionally, if you’re comfortable with development, SAMSON provides a way for you to create your own importers. The extension system is developer-friendly and documented in the guide on generating SAMSON Extensions. This approach is particularly powerful for labs working with custom data or niche formats.
Takeaway
File format issues can be a serious roadblock in molecular modeling. SAMSON’s importer system is a flexible way to deal with the wide variety of data types that researchers encounter. By using existing importers or creating your own, you can make sure that your software adapts to your workflows—not the other way around.
To explore the importer system in more detail, visit the full documentation page here: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/importers/.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download the platform at https://www.samson-connect.net.