> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://icij.gitbook.io/datashare/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://icij.gitbook.io/datashare/local-mode/install-datashare-on-mac/open-datashare-on-mac.md).

# Start Datashare

Once Datashare is [installed](/datashare/local-mode/install-datashare-on-mac.md), go to '**Finder**' > '**Applications**', and double-click on '**Datashare**':

<figure><img src="/files/UlzA0IeOvtQf0Zu9eYLX" alt="Screenshot of Mac&#x27;s Applications window where Datashare&#x27;s logo is highlighted"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

A Terminal window called '**Datashare.command**' opens and describes the technical operations going on during the opening:

<figure><img src="/files/I6sALGlpcNO624SUVXii" alt="Screenshot of Mac&#x27;s terminal window with Datashare&#x27;s starting logs"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**⇒ Important: Keep this Terminal window open as long as you use Datashare.**

Once the process is done, **Datashare should now automatically open in your default internet browser.** If it doesn’t, type '[localhost:8080](http://localhost:8080)' as a URL in your browser.

Datashare **must be accessed from your internet browser** (Firefox, Chome, etc), even though it works offline without Internet connection (see FAQ: [Can I use Datashare with no internet connection?](/datashare/usage/faq/general/can-i-use-datashare-with-no-internet-connection.md)).

<figure><img src="/files/AGWaHrlbO1yK1MYA0mLT" alt="Screenshot of the homepage of Datashare, the projects&#x27; page with one project called &#x27;Default&#x27;"><figcaption><p>Datashare's homepage</p></figcaption></figure>

You can now [add documents to Datashare](/datashare/local-mode/install-datashare-on-mac/add-documents-to-datashare-on-mac.md).


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://icij.gitbook.io/datashare/local-mode/install-datashare-on-mac/open-datashare-on-mac.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.