Setup Refine

  1. Install Java: OpenRefine is a Java application and requires Java JRE to run. Download and install Java if you do not have it. Clicking “Free Java Download” on the Java site will get you the correct version. (When installing be sure to uncheck the “recommended” option to add Yahoo to your browsers!)
  2. 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-2.7)
  3. Extract Refine: Unzip the OpenRefine package to a permanent location, for example in your User directory or Documents.
    • Windows: unzip by right clicking and selecting Extract All.
    • Mac: drag the dmg to the application folder (Mac has known issues, try these solutions).
    • Linux: unpack in desired location with with tar, for example tar xzf openrefine-linux-2.7.tar.gz.

Full documentation is available on the official wiki.

Use Refine

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Shut down: close any browser tabs with the GUI, then stop the host terminal window with Ctrl+C (or Command-Q on Mac). This will ensure any open projects are saved.

OpenRefine terminal and GUI