---
description: >-
  Find the Datashare application on your computer and run it locally on your
  browser.
---

# Start Datashare

Once Datashare is [installed](), 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%2FYkeXI8UymjLFwb6SIwBJ%2FScreenshot%202023-01-13%20at%2003.13.37.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5013f0da-34b1-463f-bdae-21f912556963" 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%2FLNPnjJC4reJPpUddGZ1v%2FScreenshot%202023-01-13%20at%2002.50.25.png?alt=media&#x26;token=606577e3-b949-4e84-bf52-25ffa40f9d55" 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.&#x20;

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?](../../usage/faq/general/can-i-use-datashare-with-no-internet-connection)).

<figure><img src="https://2881303961-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LWCyd3pDXO_H4jk9DgG%2Fuploads%2FLxlxvFvMkigRaexkoj2X%2FScreenshot%202025-06-05%20at%2008.49.50.png?alt=media&#x26;token=281b7836-4bb3-47d4-857d-8aaab43bf8e0" 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](add-documents-to-datashare-on-mac).
