Molecular modeling often involves learning new software paradigms, interfaces, and numerous tools, which can quickly become overwhelming — especially when you’re in the middle of a research project. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck wondering how to perform a specific task in SAMSON, there’s a time-saving feature built just for moments like these: interactive tutorials.
Many users, especially new ones, miss this built-in functionality that can make the modeling learning curve much smoother. Rather than searching through long documentation pages or forums, you can instantly access targeted guidance inside the SAMSON platform. Let’s explore how this feature can solve common pains faced by both novice and experienced molecular modelers.
Why Interactive Tutorials Matter
The need to frequently switch contexts — from modeling environments to browser windows to find tutorials — breaks focus. SAMSON’s interactive tutorials run directly within the modeling interface. They’re guided, clickable, and contextual.
Whether you’re learning how to:
- Load and visualize molecules
- Run simulations
- Use SAMSON Extensions
- Or build molecular systems
…you can start a tutorial that walks you through each step, while you’re performing the actual task. This immediate feedback and interaction tends to be especially helpful for visual learners and new users.
How to Access Interactive Tutorials
You don’t need to open your browser. Just follow these three steps in SAMSON:
- Open the Help menu at the top
- Click on Tutorials
- Select one and click Start tutorial
The tutorial will begin immediately, presenting step-by-step tips directly within your workspace.
Pausing or Restarting a Tutorial
If you want to stop a tutorial midway, simply close the small tip window that appears in the top-right corner of the Viewport. Need to revisit or restart it from the beginning? Just go back to Help > Tutorials and launch it again.
Bonus Tip: Want to Dive Deeper?
Once you’re comfortable with SAMSON’s basic toolset, consider exploring the SAMSON Extensions, which have their own interactive tutorials. These extensions allow you to tailor SAMSON to your workflow, adding powerful capabilities like simulations, modeling tools, and more. Extension tutorials are available here.
When This Might Save You Time
- You’re starting a new project and forgot how to set up a system
- You want a quick refresher on a rarely used tool
- You’ve installed a new extension and want to understand its purpose right away
Instead of searching for a video or sending a message in a forum, try giving the tutorial system a shot — you may be surprised how efficient it is for jumping back into your workflow.
To learn more, visit the interactive tutorials documentation page.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.