For many molecular modelers, the steep learning curve of new platforms can be a major barrier to getting started. Traditional manuals and video tutorials are often non-interactive and require switching back and forth between the tool and the guide. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to pick up a complex concept or workflow.
SAMSON, the integrative platform for molecular design, has implemented a feature specifically designed to address this problem: built-in interactive tutorials. These tutorials are available directly inside the SAMSON interface, giving users step-by-step instructions while they work. Whether you’re just getting started with molecular modeling or diving into more advanced tasks, these tutorials can make your learning process much smoother.
To access the tutorials:
1. Open SAMSON.
2. Navigate to Help > Tutorials in the top menu.
3. Choose a tutorial from the list.
4. Click Start tutorial.
Once you start a tutorial, SAMSON will guide you through tasks using tip windows that appear in the Viewport. These tips provide contextual instructions, pointing you to exactly where you need to click or what you need to do. This keeps your hands and eyes focused on the SAMSON interface itself—no more switching between tabs or pausing videos.
And if you need a break or want to exit a tutorial, just close the tutorial’s tip window in the top-right corner of the Viewport. You can resume or restart any tutorial from the Help > Tutorials menu at any time.
This feature is particularly useful for researchers and developers who use SAMSON for simulations, structural modeling, or visualization. Even experienced users can benefit from quick refreshers or introductions to new features.
Additionally, there are tutorials available specifically for SAMSON Extensions, which guide you through the use of specialized functionalities added to the platform via modules. You can explore these at the SAMSON Extensions Tutorials page, separate from the main platform tutorials.
If you’re trying to become productive with SAMSON quickly, or if you’re training others in your lab or classroom, consider using these interactive tutorials as your first step. They’re designed to reduce friction and make complex workflows easier to understand in context.
To learn more or to explore the list of available tutorials, visit the full documentation page here: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/interactive-tutorials/
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.