A molecular model can be perfectly intact while the project around it is not. A script may be on one computer, a dataset in a downloads folder, and a supporting paper somewhere else. When it is time to move or share the work, those separate files can be easy to forget.
SAMSON documents can hold more than molecular models: they can also embed files and folders. That makes it possible to keep related project materials together in a document, rather than relying on a collection of separately located files.
Think of the document as a project container
In SAMSON, the active document contains the data shown in the Document view. Alongside atoms, bonds, molecules, models, and other data, a document can include Python scripts, folders, research papers, images, and datasets. This is useful when those materials belong with a particular structure or modeling task.
For example, a project might involve a molecular structure, a script used during analysis, and a folder of supporting data. Keeping these items in one document can make the project easier to transfer to another computer or share with a collaborator. It also helps reduce the chance that the molecular model arrives without the files needed to understand or continue the work.
Embed files and folders
You can add materials by dragging files or folders into SAMSON. When prompted, choose to embed them in the document. Alternatively, use Home > Embed files or Home > Embed folders.
Before adding materials, it helps to consider what someone else would need to make sense of the project. That might include a relevant script, a data folder, a research paper, or images used for reference. You do not need to embed every file on your computer—focus on materials that belong with this particular document.
Embedding is different from simply keeping files nearby in a folder on your computer: the files and folders are stored within the SAMSON document. As a result, the document can be self-contained and transferred between computers. If you plan to share a document, including the relevant materials before sharing can make the handoff clearer and reduce the need to track down separate attachments later.
A simple handoff checklist
- Open the right document. Check the active document in the Document view before adding project materials.
- Gather the related files. Identify scripts, datasets, papers, images, or folders that are relevant to the molecular work.
- Embed them. Drag and drop the items into SAMSON and choose to embed them, or use the Embed files and Embed folders commands.
- Review before sharing. Make sure the document contains the materials you intend to hand off, then share the document through your chosen workflow.
This approach is especially helpful when a project includes more than a structure alone. A document can bring the model and its supporting materials into one transferable package, making it easier for someone else to pick up the work without searching across unrelated folders.
For details on opening structures, working with documents, and embedding files, see the SAMSON documentation on loading molecules.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.