Collaborating on molecular modeling projects often means juggling email threads, cloud drives, file formats, and version mismatches. For molecular modelers, it can be frustrating to share large, complex structural data or simulation results in a streamlined and secure way—especially when collaborators use different operating systems or software.
SAMSON Connect addresses this common pain point by providing a built-in shared document system that integrates directly with the SAMSON software platform. Users can share documents right from within SAMSON and access them via the web interface at any time. Here’s how it works and why it might make your collaborations smoother.
How to Share a Document from SAMSON
From inside SAMSON, users can choose any document they’ve created and share it through the platform. This can include molecules, simulations, analyses, visualizations, and more. When you share a document, it becomes accessible through the Shared documents section on SAMSON Connect. Recipients can view or download the document directly into their local SAMSON environment.
Who Can See Shared Documents?
Sharing settings are flexible. You can make documents:
- Public — anyone can access and download these documents from the shared documents section.
- Private — visible only to selected users or groups you’ve set up.
This is especially useful when collaborating with peers, supervisors, or research partners. No need to worry about file compatibility – the document loads exactly as you saved it.
Managing Documents in the Cloud
SAMSON Connect provides a single interface to manage all your shared documents through the user menu under Account > Documents. Here you can:
- Track all documents you have shared
- Change visibility (e.g., from private to public)
- Control who gets access
- Delete or update documents
The total storage available depends on your selected SAMSON plan, but a free Starter plan includes enough space for many small- to medium-size projects.
Why It Might Be Useful
Instead of sending folders or links through email, SAMSON Connect provides a more contextual and reliable way to distribute your work. Anyone with access can download the document and open it directly in SAMSON, keeping your formatting, annotations, and structures intact. This is especially handy during research presentations, paper writing, or lab meetings.
Here’s a quick look at the shared documents page:
Working Together Remotely
Whether you’re working across a university campus or across continents, SAMSON’s shared document system allows you to keep everyone in sync without requiring extra software or cloud setups. It removes a barrier that many modelers face: how to share rich molecular data reliably and easily.
To learn more about the document-sharing features of SAMSON Connect, visit the full documentation page.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download the platform at www.samson-connect.net.