Getting started with molecular modeling software can be overwhelming. Whether you’re a student new to computational chemistry, a researcher venturing into a new type of simulation, or an educator looking for a fast-start guide for your students, there’s a steep learning curve just to figure out how to perform basic tasks like visualizing molecules, building structures, or calculating properties.
This is where SAMSON’s interactive tutorials can help. These tutorials are directly integrated into the SAMSON platform and guide users through core features and workflows — no need to keep switching back and forth between software and a user manual.
What Makes These Tutorials Useful?
Instead of static help pages or long videos you have to pause and rewind, SAMSON’s tutorials provide an in-app experience. As you follow a tutorial in SAMSON, it dynamically highlights interface elements, shows you where to click, and explains what is happening — right inside the software.
To access the tutorials, open SAMSON and go to Help > Tutorials. From there, select the tutorial that fits your needs, and click Start tutorial. SAMSON will guide you through the process step-by-step using contextual tips in the interface.
What You’ll Learn
The available tutorials focus on practical, everyday tasks that molecular modelers frequently need to do. For example, you’ll learn:
- How to visualize complex biomolecular structures
- Basic navigation controls in a 3D molecular scene
- Building molecules and modifying geometries
- Using specific features of SAMSON Extensions
Each tutorial is short, focused, and hands-on — perfect for learning by doing. If you ever want to stop a tutorial, simply close the tutorial tip window in the top-right corner of the Viewport. You can restart any tutorial at any time from Help > Tutorials.
Helpful Tip for Extension Users
If you’re using or developing SAMSON Extensions, there’s a full collection of tutorials tailored for those as well. You’ll find them in the SAMSON Extensions Tutorials section of the documentation.
Why This Matters
Interactive tutorials not only help new users start faster, but also support advanced users exploring new capabilities. They’re especially valuable in teaching environments where instructors can quickly onboard students without having to create separate teaching materials for software use.
So if you’ve installed SAMSON and aren’t sure where to begin, these built-in tutorials can get you going — right from within the software, and at your own pace.
To learn more, check out the original documentation page: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/interactive-tutorials/
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.