One of the most frequent questions molecular modelers ask when using software platforms like SAMSON is: “How can I add features or modules without overcomplicating my workflow—or overspending?” If you’ve ever wondered whether a particular tool or extension is freely available, requires a subscription, or offers a trial, this post will break it down for you.
With SAMSON Connect‘s integrated Extension Marketplace, the process of expanding your modeling capabilities is designed to be transparent and user-friendly. Whether you’re exploring quantum chemistry, running simulations, or visualizing proteins, understanding how to access and manage SAMSON Extensions can save you both time and money.
Types of Extension Access
All SAMSON Extensions are available through a centralized Marketplace. Here’s what you need to know about their availability:
- Freely Available Extensions: These can be added immediately to your SAMSON installation at no cost, as long as you’re signed in to your account.
- Trial Extensions: Some paid extensions offer a trial option. You can explore their functionality without entering credit card information simply by clicking the Request trial button.
- Subscribed Extensions: These require a monthly, yearly, or academic subscription (if eligible). Once you subscribe, the extension is added and maintained as long as your subscription is active.
Adding Extensions
Once signed in to your account on SAMSON Connect, you can browse through the Marketplace. When you see an extension of interest:
- For free extensions, click the Add button.
- For trial extensions, click Request trial.
- For paid extensions, choose your subscription plan and click Subscribe.
After an extension is added, you’ll see it marked as Added or Subscribed. Restart SAMSON, and the application will automatically download and install the extension.
Removing or Managing Extensions
Need to remove a free extension or manage what you’re subscribed to? Go to your account via Account > Settings and click View my extensions or View my subscriptions. To remove an extension, hover over the Added indicator, which will switch to Remove, then click it.
The removed extension remains visible in your account in case you want to re-add it in the future. Subscription management is equally simple: you can cancel or modify your plan directly from the same menu.
Why This Matters
Having modular access is especially valuable in research environments, where project needs may shift frequently. Maybe you only require a specific extension for a certain paper or collaboration, or you want to test a new tool before committing to it.
This model allows you to be agile: use what you need, when you need it—and avoid paying for what you don’t use.
To learn more about how extensions work and explore what’s available, visit the SAMSON Connect documentation.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.