Learning a molecular modeling tool can feel like a small puzzle: you may recognize the interface, yet still hesitate when it is time to carry out a real task. Reading instructions helps, but it does not always answer the practical question: “What should I click next?” SAMSON’s interactive tutorials address that gap by guiding you through a task inside the application.
Use a tutorial to practice a task—not just explore menus
Interactive tutorials are most useful when you have a concrete workflow in mind and want to practice it directly in SAMSON. Rather than treating a tutorial as another page to read, use it as a short, guided practice session. Follow the instructions in the application, pay attention to how the demonstrated task progresses, and focus on understanding the purpose of each step.
This is especially helpful when you are new to a workflow and do not yet know which part of the interface is relevant. The tutorial can guide you while you work, so you can connect the instructions with the application itself. The goal is not simply to reach the end of the tutorial: it is to become more comfortable repeating the task afterward.
Choose the right moment to start
You do not need to complete every tutorial before doing useful work. First, get oriented with the main interface areas in First look: the interface. The documentation also suggests learning how to move around and load molecules before using tutorials for guided practice.
Once you have that foundation, pick a tutorial that matches something you want to do. If none of the available tutorials fits your immediate need, it is fine to skip them and return later. A tutorial is most valuable when its workflow has a clear connection to the task you are trying to learn.
A simple practice loop
- Orient yourself. Make sure you recognize the interface areas the tutorial will use. If they are unfamiliar, revisit First look: the interface.
- Choose a relevant workflow. Open Help > Tutorials, select a tutorial, and click Start tutorial.
- Follow the guidance deliberately. As you proceed, notice the actions and decisions that make up the workflow. Try to understand the sequence, rather than rushing simply to finish.
- Repeat the task. After completing the tutorial, try to carry out the demonstrated workflow without the tutorial window. If you cannot yet remember a step, that gives you a useful pointer for what to review.
This last step turns guided practice into a practical check: can you perform the task again, or do you know which guide page to consult? You do not need to memorize the whole application. Aim to leave with a repeatable workflow—or a clear next reference.
Stopping is part of the workflow
If you want to stop, close the tutorial tip window in the top-right corner of the Viewport. You can restart an interactive tutorial from scratch at any time through Help > Tutorials. That makes it easy to pause when you need to focus on your own work, then return for another guided attempt.
Interactive tutorials are for workflows inside SAMSON. If you are looking for tutorials about SAMSON Extensions, see the SAMSON Extensions Tutorials. For assistant-led help with questions, commands, selections, or scripts, explore SAMSON AI.
To explore the launch steps and related guidance, read the interactive tutorials documentation.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.