If you work in molecular modeling, you’ve likely encountered this situation: you download a structure file from a database, or receive one from a collaborator, expecting a smooth import into your modeling software—only to be met with an error message or unrecognized format warning. 💥
In integrated modeling environments like SAMSON, importing structures is a crucial first step. Whether it’s proteins, ligands, electron densities, or simulation outputs, if SAMSON can’t read your file, your workflow hits a wall.
Understanding SAMSON’s Importers
SAMSON uses Importers—dedicated modules that parse specific file formats and convert them into objects you see and manipulate in the platform. For instance, there are importers for .pdb files, volumetric maps, and more specialized data formats. SAMSON already includes a set of default importers, so many common formats open without any user configuration.
You can view the current list of supported formats here: formats supported by SAMSON.
But My Format Isn’t Supported…
If you’ve encountered a situation where your data isn’t recognized, you’re not alone. Emerging techniques and domain-specific formats often outpace software packages. Thankfully, SAMSON addresses this with a flexible extension mechanism: you can add more importers to your installation, or even develop your own.
Option 1: Search for More Importers
The easiest first step is to check SAMSON Connect, which acts as a hub for modules developed by SAMSON community members and the core team. Just as you’d install a web browser plugin, you can add importers for niche file formats.
If you’re not sure which importer could help, or you think something is missing entirely, don’t hesitate to get in touch at contact@samson-connect.net.
Option 2: Develop Your Own Importer
For those with development experience or specific internal formats, SAMSON provides a powerful extension generator and complete developer guides to build your own importer plugin. This is particularly useful for organizations dealing with proprietary data formats or non-standard outputs from custom pipelines.
You can start here: Generating SAMSON Extensions.
Why This Matters
Being able to bring any file into a unified modeling platform saves time and reduces errors from format conversions or data loss. Whether you’re dealing with structural biology, materials simulation, or molecular dynamics workflows, seamless data import is a small step that enables much bigger analyses.
So next time your file won’t open in SAMSON, don’t panic—check available importers, visit SAMSON Connect, or consider writing a custom importer tailored to your data.
Learn more in the official SAMSON documentation: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/importers/
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.