One common task in molecular modeling workflows is exporting structures or visualizations for use in other tools, sharing with collaborators, or inclusion in publications. Unfortunately, many users run into the same frustrating problem: they can’t find the export format they need — or worse, they don’t know which formats are even supported.
Whether you’re transitioning from simulation to visualization or preparing data for publication, it’s essential to understand how to export molecular data from SAMSON. This is where exporters come in.
What Are Exporters in SAMSON?
Exporters in SAMSON are specialized modules that convert your current document content into various file formats. These range from structural file formats commonly used in computational chemistry and molecular biology — such as PDB (Protein Data Bank) and XYZ — to formats used for visualization.
SAMSON comes with a built-in set of exporters, but the modular nature of the platform means you can add more exporters through SAMSON Connect, the platform’s extension repository.
Why Choosing the Right Export Format Matters
Choosing the correct export format isn’t just a question of preference; it’s often a requirement. For example:
- Need to run a simulation in another program? That program might require a specific input format like XYZ or MOL2.
- Preparing a figure for publication? You’ll want a format that retains rendering details (e.g., PNG or another image exporter).
- Collaborating with colleagues or sharing data? Ensuring format compatibility can make or break an efficient workflow.
How to Find the Right Exporter
The easiest way is to refer to the full list of formats supported by SAMSON. From there, you can check whether your preferred file format is already supported. If it’s not, there’s good news: SAMSON’s development environment allows users to develop their own exporters as extensions.
Don’t have time to develop? You can also contact the SAMSON team to suggest a new exporter.
Missing Export Format? Here’s What to Do
If you noticed that a certain format is not listed or is unsupported, here are some steps you can take:
- Check the list of currently supported formats.
- Browse through SAMSON Connect to see if an exporter exists as an extension.
- Still not available? Reach out via email.
Want More Control? Consider Developing Your Own Exporter
If you have some programming experience, you can start creating your own exporter to precisely fit your research workflow. The SAMSON Extension Generator and the Documentation Center offer valuable guidance for getting started with exporter development.
Whether you want to automate export tasks, support your own proprietary format, or contribute to the SAMSON community, developing an exporter can be a flexible solution.
For a complete overview of Exporters in SAMSON, visit the official documentation here: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/exporters/
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download the platform at https://www.samson-connect.net.