Setup Refine
- Install Java: OpenRefine is a Java application and requires Java JRE to run. Download and install Java if you do not have it (you can check by typing
java -version
into a terminal).- Windows and Mac: Clicking “Free Java Download” on the Java site will get you the correct installer. (When installing be sure to uncheck the “recommended” option to add Yahoo to your browsers!)
- Linux: Install from your distros repositories, for example
sudo apt install default-jre
on Ubuntu/Debian (this is usually OpenJDK rather than Oracle’s version).
- Download Refine: Download the most recent OpenRefine package for your OS. Releases are posted on the OpenRefine site or GitHub releases page. (this workshop used openrefine-2.8)
- Extract Refine: Unzip the OpenRefine package to a permanent location, for example in your User directory or Documents.
Full documentation is available on the official wiki.
Use Refine
- Start the Java app: Opening Refine differs depending on your OS, but in all cases the app will start running in a terminal window which you can ignore and minimize (but do not close!).
- Windows: double click
openrefine.exe
(You may get a warning that the publisher could not be verified, ignore it, and click Run. Once open, pin the Refine icon to your taskbar for easy access in the future). - Mac: click the Refine icon in the applications folder.
- Linux: in the OpenRefine directory open terminal and type
./refine
.
- Windows: double click
- Use the GUI: Once Refine is running in a terminal, your default web browser should automatically open with the interface. If it does not open automatically or you close the browser tab, find the GUI by typing http://127.0.0.1:3333 or
localhost:3333
in your address bar. The user interface is rendered by your web browser, but Refine is not a web application. No information is sent online and no internet connection is necessary. - Shut down: close any browser tabs with the GUI, then stop the host terminal window with
Ctrl+C
(orCommand-Q
on Mac). This will ensure any open projects are saved.