For molecular modelers, starting with new software often brings a steep learning curve. You might open an application like SAMSON, see its vast toolbox, and wonder where to begin. If you’ve been looking for a way to practice specific workflows within SAMSON, its interactive tutorials are here to help you.
What are interactive tutorials?
Interactive tutorials in SAMSON are an integrated feature designed to directly guide you through specific tasks within the platform. Instead of navigating between external resources and the software, these tutorials work directly inside SAMSON, simplifying complex workflows for you. This can be particularly helpful for tasks like molecular editing, structural visualization, or exploring chemical simulation workflows.
When should you use them?
If you’re new to SAMSON, it’s recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the main interface areas using their onboarding materials such as First Look: The Interface. After that, interactive tutorials can step in as your guide to practice concrete workflows.
For example, you might explore molecular moving techniques after reading their Moving Around section or dive into tutorials on loading molecular data via Loading Molecules once you’re ready to handle your own molecular structures.
How to get started with an interactive tutorial
Launching a tutorial is straightforward and only takes a few clicks:
- Open SAMSON and go to Help > Tutorials.
- Select the tutorial relevant to your workflow from the list.
- Click on Start Tutorial. Your guided experience will begin immediately.
Each tutorial provides step-by-step instructions while overlaying helpful tips directly onto the interface, making it much easier to follow along.
Stopping and restarting tutorials
Not sure if you’ll need to finish a tutorial in one sitting? No problem. You can stop a tutorial at any time by closing the tutorial tip window in the top-right corner of the Viewport. When you’re ready to pick it up again, just head back to Help > Tutorials and restart the same tutorial from scratch for a fresh perspective.
Why are they useful?
The beauty of SAMSON’s interactive tutorials is the practical knowledge they provide. After completing a session, you won’t just know about a feature theoretically. You’ll be able to execute the workflow confidently without guidance or easily find reference materials for further exploration.
Enhancing productivity with SAMSON Extensions tutorials
If you use SAMSON Extensions, a variety of tutorials specifically tailored for extensions are available. From advanced simulation tools to automated design workflows, extension tutorials open doors to deeper functionality. You can explore these at their dedicated section: SAMSON Extensions Tutorials.
Take the next step
- If you’re ready to work with your own molecular structures, proceed to Loading Molecules for practice.
- If you’re interested in assistant-led help for commands, selections, or scripts, explore the SAMSON AI feature to streamline your workflows.
Learn more about SAMSON interactive tutorials and how to enhance your molecular modeling experience by visiting the official documentation page: Interactive Tutorials.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at www.samson-connect.net.