For molecular modelers, one of the biggest obstacles to using a new platform is the time it takes to learn the interface and features. Whether you’re switching from another tool or starting your journey in molecular modeling, figuring out how to simulate, visualize, and analyze structures without guidance can be overwhelming.
The SAMSON integrative molecular design platform addresses this challenge directly with a set of built-in interactive tutorials, designed to make your learning process smoother, faster, and more hands-on.
Learning by Doing, Inside the Platform
SAMSON’s interactive tutorials are not static documents or videos that you have to follow in a separate window. Instead, they are fully integrated into the SAMSON environment. This means you get step-by-step guidance directly in the workspace where you’ll be building, simulating, and analyzing molecular models.
To access these tutorials in SAMSON:
- Go to
Help > Tutorialsin the main menu. - Select a tutorial from the list.
- Click Start tutorial and follow the tips that appear directly in your viewport.
Each tutorial walks you through a specific task — such as adding or modifying molecules, visualizing molecular interactions, or navigating the 3D Viewport — with on-screen hints. These are especially useful if you’re learning features that involve spatial manipulation or simulation steps.
Resume or Restart Just as Easily
One aspect that makes SAMSON’s interactive tutorials particularly user-friendly: they are not one-shot. If you close a tutorial or take a break, you can always return to it later and start again from scratch.
To stop a tutorial, just close the tutorial tip window in the top-right corner of the Viewport. To restart, head back to Help > Tutorials and launch it again.
Why This Matters for Molecular Modelers
Interactive tutorials are more than just a convenience — they directly reduce the time it takes for a new user to become productive. For professionals and students alike, this means fewer hours deciphering documentation and more time focused on what actually matters: designing, simulating, and understanding molecules.
These tutorials can also be helpful in classroom settings or collaborative research projects. Instead of setting aside time to train every team member individually, you can confidently point them toward the interactive tutorials and let them learn by doing.
Looking for More?
SAMSON also offers specialized tutorials for SAMSON Extensions, which cover advanced functionalities beyond the core platform. These can help you integrate new tools into your workflow seamlessly.
To learn more about interactive tutorials in SAMSON, visit the official documentation page.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.