One of the most frequent frustrations of researchers working with molecular modeling software is having to adapt their workflow around fixed interfaces and rigid toolsets. Every project is different, and a one-size-fits-all solution rarely fits anyone well. What if your workspace could be adapted on the fly to match your specific goals—whether that’s simulating materials, designing molecules for drug discovery, or visualizing biomolecular interactions?
This is where SAMSON Extensions come in. With SAMSON, the integrative molecular design platform, you can tailor your modeling environment to your needs within minutes. By adding or removing extensions, you effectively customize the capabilities of your workspace without writing a line of code yourself.
Why Modular Design Matters
SAMSON’s modular architecture means that most of the platform’s features are delivered through independent units called Extensions. These are downloadable building blocks ranging from apps and editors to importers, exporters, and field-specific models. This structure allows SAMSON to stay lightweight while letting you add only the components relevant to your research.
For example, a computational chemist may add specific force field calculators, while a structural biologist focuses on visualization tools for electron density maps. This not only saves time, but keeps the interface clean and efficient for your specific needs.
Getting Started with Extensions
When you first install SAMSON, it includes a default set of Extensions downloaded automatically from SAMSON Connect. This gives you a working toolkit right out of the box. But the real power of SAMSON becomes apparent once you start customizing your environment further.
How to Add or Remove Extensions
The process has been made intuitive:
- Sign in to your account at SAMSON Connect – Marketplace
- Browse through categories such as apps, editors, models, importers, and more
- Select the Extensions that suit your workflow
- Click to add or remove them—your SAMSON platform updates immediately
This approach gives users control with virtually no overhead. Switching between projects using different types of tools? You can add what you need, then remove or disable what you don’t, making it feel like you’re always working with a tool optimized for your current objective.
Extension Types: What’s Available?
Here’s a quick look at the kinds of Extensions you can add:
- Apps: Standalone tools to perform simulations, analysis, or connect with external services
- Editors: Tools that let you interactively modify structures (e.g., build nanotubes, deform molecules)
- Importers/Exporters: Support for reading and writing molecular files like PDB, XYZ, etc.
- Models: Visual, interaction, or state-updating models for simulations and animations
- Other Assets: From ready-made workspaces to visual presets and tutorials
You can see the full range and detailed descriptions in the official documentation.
In short, SAMSON Extensions let you make the software fit your science—whether you’re visualizing quantum fields or building new polymers. They simplify complexity without compromising flexibility.
To learn more about managing SAMSON Extensions, visit the full guide here: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/extending-samson/
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON and begin customizing your modeling environment at https://www.samson-connect.net.