Designing molecular systems from scratch can be time-consuming. For molecular modelers, every minute spent re-assembling common fragments like benzene rings or amino acids is a minute not spent on optimization, analysis, or simulation. If you’ve ever thought “I’m sure I’ve built this exact group before…”—you’re not alone.
The Asset Browser in SAMSON offers a simple yet often underestimated solution: a searchable, zoomable, and rich library of reusable molecular building blocks. This quick guide walks through how to make full use of the Asset Browser to speed up your molecular modeling workflow.
What Are Assets?
In SAMSON, assets include everything from individual atoms to complex molecular fragments, such as rings, functional groups, sidechains, whole biomolecules, 2D materials, and nanoparticles. They help you get jump-started with accurate, pre-defined components you can quickly insert, modify, or combine.
Accessing the Asset Browser
The Asset Browser typically opens automatically when you activate the Add editor, which is used for building molecular structures. You can also find it manually in the interface menu. Once open, you’ll see categorized folders with different types of fragments and a list/grid view switch at the bottom-right corner.
Filtering and Selecting Assets
At the top of the Asset Browser, you’ll find a search bar labeled “Filter assets…”. Use it to quickly find specific atoms or fragments, like “phenol” or “alanine”. Double-click an asset to select it as the active building block. You should see the active asset appear in the center of the viewport.
Using Assets in Construction
Once you’ve selected an asset, just click in the viewport to place it. You can connect fragments by substituting atoms or forming bonds. SAMSON automatically adjusts geometry and hydrations based on your preferences (which you can configure).
Tips for Better Asset Use
- Zoom Feature: Use
Ctrl + mouse wheelto zoom in/out inside the Asset Browser for better visibility. - View Modes: Toggle between grid and list view using the icons at the bottom-right corner to suit your preference.
- Organize Custom Assets: If you’ve created a custom fragment and want it accessible later, you can use it again via the
Use selection to buildcommand.
And if the default asset set doesn’t cover your needs, SAMSON provides options to share custom libraries. Just contact the team via contact@samson-connect.net.
By using assets effectively, modelers can avoid redundancies and focus on what matters: building and analyzing meaningful molecular models.
To learn more, visit the full documentation on building molecules in SAMSON.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download the platform at https://www.samson-connect.net.