When working with molecular design software, one of the most common challenges is getting started — or getting unstuck. Whether you’re preparing a system for simulation or exploring an unfamiliar interface, the learning curve can slow you down significantly, especially when you’re switching between environments or trying new methods.
If you’re using SAMSON, the integrative platform for molecular modeling and simulation, there’s an overlooked feature that can help you quickly gain confidence with tools and workflows: built-in interactive tutorials.
Unlike static guides or video recordings, these tutorials are designed to work inside the SAMSON interface, guiding you step-by-step as you perform actual tasks. That means no need to toggle between windows or scroll through documentation—everything happens in context, inside one environment.
What do SAMSON Interactive Tutorials offer?
SAMSON includes a range of interactive tutorials that cover beginner-friendly topics like navigating the interface, as well as more advanced workflows. These tutorials help you:
- Perform common modeling tasks directly inside SAMSON
- Get used to the layout and tools without external resources
- Experiment safely with features you haven’t used before
To access interactive tutorials, open SAMSON and go to:
|
1 |
Help > Tutorials |
Then select the tutorial you’d like to follow, and click Start tutorial. The tutorial will launch inside your working area, providing on-screen guidance (what SAMSON calls the “tip window”) for each step.
Learning by doing
What makes this different from traditional documentation is that you interact directly with the same tools you want to learn. If you get lost, a tutorial can be restarted at any point — just go back to Help > Tutorials and launch it again.
To exit, simply close the tip window in the upper-right corner of the viewport. Nothing changes in your workspace unless you choose to take action.
Less searching, more modeling
This system is especially useful for molecular modelers who are often short on time. Instead of scouring forums or video playlists, SAMSON invites the user to learn through doing. The tutorials provide just enough direction to help you reach your goal without overloading you with theory or detail.
If you’ve just installed SAMSON or are looking to try new tools in your modeling workflows, the interactive tutorials are a good first step.
Related learning paths
If you’re interested in extending SAMSON with plugins or Scripts, additional tutorials are available under SAMSON Extensions Tutorials.
To learn more about the interactive tutorials built into SAMSON, visit the official documentation page: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/interactive-tutorials/
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.