When you are modeling a molecule, the question that interrupts your work is often specific: Which file formats are supported? Where are camera settings documented? What kind of node am I looking at? The challenge is not always learning a new workflow; sometimes it is finding the right reference page without searching through unrelated material.
The SAMSON References hub is designed for that moment. It groups detailed lookup pages by feature family, so you can start with the subject of your question and then follow the corresponding link.
Start with the question, not the menu
Before opening a reference, reduce the problem to one subject. Are you looking for a description of something stored in a document, an interface control, a supported file format, or a way to select nodes? Naming the subject first makes it easier to choose a useful destination.
- Working with document contents? Use Documents for documents, folders, files, notes, and paths, or Node types to identify the main categories of nodes.
- Trying to locate a control? The SAMSON Interface reference covers menus, panels, workspaces, and shortcuts. For user-modifiable settings, go to Preferences.
- Checking how to bring data in or take it out? Consult Supported formats for import and export formats, and the Importers or Exporters references for those extension families.
- Building a selection or filter? The Node Specification Language reference is the destination for NSL expressions.
- Preparing a visual explanation? Browse Visual presets, Default color palettes, or Animations, depending on whether you need a reusable visualization preset, a color scheme, or an animation effect.
Use the family that matches the object
Some questions sound similar but point to different reference families. A question about cameras belongs with Camera; a question about sequence-based views of biological structures belongs with Sequence view. If you are looking for structural, visual, interaction, dynamical, or property models, use Models. For Path Analyzer plots and analyses, use the dedicated Path Analyzer page.
This distinction is useful when a broad search term leads to several plausible results. Instead of searching for a general word such as “view” or “model,” identify the thing you need to understand, then choose the matching family. That gives you a more direct route to the detailed lookup.
When a reference page is not the right starting point
A reference hub is most useful when you already know the feature family. If you are still deciding which workflow applies, start with Reference and help, which helps you choose between FAQ, troubleshooting, and references. If you need orientation before looking up a specific control, the First look: the interface page is a more suitable starting point.
For version or compatibility questions, the hub also points to Versioning. For extension-family questions, it brings together Apps, Editors, Importers, and Exporters.
A small habit can save time: keep the reference hub as your starting point, state the question in a few words, and open the family that matches it. To explore the full directory, visit the SAMSON References page.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.