DashDraft
Get started

Starting DashDraft

Launch your local analytical dashboard instantly using either the graphical dashboard launcher or the command-line utility.

The GUI Control Center is the easiest way to monitor DashDraft. The Dashboard local URL is always clearly displayed so you can launch it in a single click.

Section 1: Using the GUI (Recommended)

The GUI application provides an intuitive control dashboard, making it the perfect choice for non-technical users and business owners.

Step 1: Launch the DashDraft GUI App

  • macOS: Open your Applications directory and double-click DashDraft.
  • Windows: Select the DashDraft icon inside your Start Menu or double-click the Desktop shortcut.
  • Linux: Run dashdraft-gui inside your shell or click the DashDraft entry in your desktop Applications list.

Step 2: Locate the "Core Service" card

At the top of the interface, you'll find the Core Service section. Look for the status indicator text:

  • Stopped — The background database engine is currently inactive.
  • Running — The database and dashboard are fully functional and ready.

Step 3: Click "Start DashDraft"

If the service status shows Stopped, simply click the blue Start DashDraft button.

Within seconds, the status badge will transition to a vibrant green Running indicator, signaling the engine is spin up.

Step 4: Launch the Web Dashboard

Once active, the GUI displays the local Dashboard URL (by default, http://localhost:7700).

Click the primary Open Dashboard button to automatically open the interface in your default web browser, or copy the URL to paste it manually.

GUI Core Service Interface

Starting service inside DashDraft GUI Control Center
🔍 GUI Visual Highlights:
  • Status indicator: Displays the green running badge indicating background database systems are operational.
  • Open Web Dashboard button: One-click browser access launcher.
  • Dashboard URL: Shows the active address http://localhost:7700.
  • Stop Service button: Instantly powers down database endpoints cleanly.

Section 2: Using the CLI (Optional)

For advanced users who prefer working in terminal-based environments, you can start the service using the CLI:

bash
dashdraft start

This spins up the same local database system and hosts the dashboard on port 7700.

Navigating your dashboard

Once DashDraft is running and you have opened the browser dashboard:

  1. Create your first workspace folder.
  2. Drag and drop your CSV datasets to import them.
  3. Proceed to hook up an AI assistant to start asking questions!
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