> 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

Find the Datashare application on your computer and run it locally on your browser.

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

<figure><img src="https://2881303961-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LWCyd3pDXO_H4jk9DgG%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-4f264f9e80408632c8e7f9998f0cc1f12001423e%2FScreenshot%202023-01-13%20at%2003.13.37.png?alt=media" 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="https://2881303961-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LWCyd3pDXO_H4jk9DgG%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c49e7413764ecb8cf0949d53eb84293538acad66%2FScreenshot%202023-01-13%20at%2002.50.25.png?alt=media" 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="https://2881303961-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LWCyd3pDXO_H4jk9DgG%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-be0fe389d1f3e984c030055670ec88d2b7a3ae1b%2FScreenshot%202025-06-05%20at%2008.49.50.png?alt=media" 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).


---

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