Installing molecular software is only the first hurdle. The next one is knowing what to do after the application opens: where to begin, how to get a structure into the workspace, and which tools you actually need. A simple first-session plan can keep setup from turning into a scavenger hunt.
SAMSON is a platform for computational nanoscience, with an open architecture for workflows across life science, materials science, physics, electronics, chemistry, and education. Its extensions add tools for tasks such as building models, calculations, simulations, and visualization. You do not need to explore every option before getting started.
Before you launch: check the basics
If you are setting up SAMSON on a new computer, first check Requirements and platforms. This helps you confirm operating-system support, hardware expectations, and—on Linux—whether dependencies need attention. Then follow Install SAMSON for the installer workflow, sign-in step, and key entry. If installation or graphics setup does not work as expected, the Troubleshooting guide is the right next stop.
Find the right launch route
The launch method depends on your operating system. On Windows, look for SAMSON in the Start menu; you can also search for it there. The documented executable location is C:/Users/%USERNAME%/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/11.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.exe.
On Mac, open SAMSON from Launchpad or the Applications folder. The documented application path is $HOME/Applications/SAMSON.app/.
On Linux, start it from the Apps dashboard, or open a terminal in the installation’s Binaries folder and run:
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./SAMSON-Core.sh |
If you launch SAMSON from the terminal regularly, the documentation also shows how to create a shell alias. After adding one to ~/.bashrc or ~/.zprofile, open a new terminal and run samson. If you encounter an issue with an AMD/ATI graphics card on Linux, consult the Linux section of Troubleshooting.
Make the first session manageable
When SAMSON starts for the first time, it downloads a set of default extensions from SAMSON Connect. Think of these as optional building blocks for different kinds of work, rather than a list you must understand before proceeding. Extensions can include apps, editors, controllers, models, and parsers. If your needs change, you can sign in and browse the Marketplace to choose extensions for your workflow.
A useful sequence for a first session is:
- Get oriented. Use First look: the interface to become familiar with the main parts of the application.
- Open a structure. Follow Loading molecules to begin working with a molecular structure and documents.
- Add tools only when you need them. Visit Extending SAMSON to learn about managing extensions or exploring the SDK.
This order helps separate three different questions—where things are, how to get a structure into the application, and how to expand your toolkit. It also makes it easier to identify which part of setup needs attention if something is not working.
Choose a guide that matches your next question
If you prefer a compact overview, the Quick Start Guide introduces the interface, navigation, documents, visualizations, simulations, and help routes; a downloadable PDF is available from that page. For account, Marketplace, or key questions, go directly to SAMSON Connect. The current public version listed in the documentation is 2026 R1; see Versioning for details about version numbers.
For the complete onboarding path, visit the Getting Started documentation.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.