> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.lumidb.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.lumidb.com/get-started/quickstart-import-view-and-share.md).

# Quickstart: import, view and share

Import your first dataset, look at it in 3D and share it with someone, in about ten minutes.

This guide takes you from a file on your computer to a link you can send to a client. It takes about ten minutes, and most of that is waiting for the import.

You need a LumiDB account and a point cloud or raster file. A LAZ, LAS or GeoTIFF file works well. See [Supported formats and file requirements](/import-data/supported-formats-and-file-requirements.md) if you are not sure about your file.

### 1. Create a project

A project holds your data and decides who can see it. Sign in at [app.lumidb.com](https://app.lumidb.com), open **Projects** and click **New project**. Then open the project.

### 2. Import your data

1. In the **Layers** panel on the left, click **Import** and choose **Point cloud** or **Raster**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://150512722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FMI9s5xLuAdXOTKpfljc3%2Fuploads%2FTZG7c4MdrIuuKtSB43Dz%2F01-import-menu.png?alt=media" alt="The Import menu with Point cloud, Raster, Files and Vectors" width="420"><figcaption><p>Choose what you want to import</p></figcaption></figure></div>

2. Drag your file into the dialog, or click **Browse files**.
3. Enter the **Input projection**, the coordinate system of your file. See [Coordinate systems and projections](/import-data/coordinate-systems-and-projections.md) if you aren't sure which to use.
4. Fill in the other required fields and click **Import**.

Large files take a while. Click **Tasks** in the top bar to follow the progress. When the import is ready, your data shows up in the **Layers** panel.

{% hint style="info" %}
You need **Full access** to a project to import into it. If you created the project, you have it. See [Importing data](/import-data/importing-data.md) for all the options.
{% endhint %}

### 3. Look at your data

Scroll to zoom, drag with the left button to move, and drag with the right button to rotate. Click **Focus datasets** in the bottom right corner to bring everything into view. See [Camera and navigation](/get-started/camera-and-navigation.md).

<figure><img src="https://150512722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FMI9s5xLuAdXOTKpfljc3%2Fuploads%2FtvqjhLs51aZXIXna3YVV%2F02-project-view.jpg?alt=media" alt="The project view with the Layers panel, the toolbar and the Share button highlighted"><figcaption><p>The project view</p></figcaption></figure>

Try the tools in the toolbar: **Measure**, **Cross section** and **Clip**. Open **Display options** to color the points, for example by elevation.

### 4. Share it

1. Click **Share** in the top right corner.
2. Enter your client's email address, choose **Full access**, **Can download**, or **Can view** and click **Invite**. Or turn on **Public** and click **Copy project link** to get a link anyone can open.
3. Send the link, and add the guide for your clients if they are new to LumiDB.

See [Sharing projects and inviting collaborators](/sharing-and-access/sharing-projects-and-inviting-collaborators.md) for roles and permissions.

### Where to go next

| I want to                     | Read                                                                                                         |
| ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Cut out an area and export it | [Merging, cropping, and filtering datasets](/explore-and-analyze/merging-cropping-and-filtering-datasets.md) |
| Use my data in ArcGIS or QGIS | [Integrations](/integrations.md)                                                                             |
| Use the API                   | [API keys](/archive-management/api-keys.md)                                                                  |
| Connect an AI assistant       | [Connecting AI assistants (MCP)](/integrations/connecting-ai-assistants-mcp.md)                              |
| Fix a problem                 | [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting.md)                                                                       |