For molecular modelers, one of the earliest — and often most frustrating — obstacles in a project is simply getting the data in. Files from different sources can be in various formats, and not all software handles them equally. If you’ve ever struggled to load a molecule from a .pdb file or found that your electron density map wouldn’t open in your modeling environment, then you know the pain.
This is where SAMSON Importers can make a difference. Importers in SAMSON are specialized components designed to read and load files of different molecular and scientific data formats. Whether you’re dealing with structural files, electron density maps, or other domain-specific formats, the goal is simple: just open your file and start working — no conversions or middleware needed.
What Are SAMSON Importers?
SAMSON Importers are built-in or add-on tools that allow SAMSON to recognize and parse different types of files. For example, a PDB file parser reads Protein Data Bank files, allowing you to visualize macromolecular structures right away. Similarly, an electron density importer can help you load volumetric data, which is particularly important for crystallographers and computational chemists.
By default, SAMSON comes with a base set of importers, so you can immediately load common formats such as:
- PDB (.pdb)
- MOL (.mol)
- XYZ (.xyz)
- CIF (.cif)
Additional format support can be enabled by adding more Importer Extensions from SAMSON Connect. This flexibility lets you adapt SAMSON to your specific needs, whether you're focused on proteins, small molecules, or materials science.
Is a Format Missing?
If you run into a file that SAMSON doesn’t recognize, there’s a way forward. First, check the full list of supported file formats to confirm whether it’s covered. If not, you can either:
- Reach out directly to the SAMSON team via contact@samson-connect.net
- Develop your own custom importer if you have coding skills — SAMSON provides documentation on building extensions.
This open development model empowers advanced users to integrate niche file types into their workflow and potentially share them with the broader SAMSON user community.
Why Modelers Appreciate This
The problem of incompatible file formats is common. Different databases, research projects, and simulation tools use their own standards. The versatility offered by SAMSON Importers means fewer interruptions, and more time spent analyzing, designing, and simulating molecules.
By using SAMSON and its Importers support options, you can:
- Streamline your modeling workflow
- Avoid file format conversion errors
- Ensure accurate structure loading
- Expand your modeling capabilities with extensible import options
Learn more by visiting the SAMSON Importers documentation page.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.