> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pentaho.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pentaho.com/pdia-data-integration/start-the-pdi-client.md).

# Starting the PDI client

After you have installed Pentaho Data Integration (PDI), you can use the PDI client (also known as Spoon) desktop application to start building transformations of your data.

Perform the following steps to launch the PDI client from the `Pentaho` directory.

1. Start the Pentaho Server.
2. Navigate to the folder where you have installed PDI. For example `..\pentaho\design-tools\data-integration`.
3. Launch the PDI client in the best way for your operating system.
   * For Windows: Double-click `Spoon.bat`
   * For Linux: Double-click `spoon.sh`
   * For Mac: Go to `../pdi-ee/data-integration` and double-click the **Data Integration** icon.
4. If you do not have a license installed, complete the following substeps to install a license:
   1. When the License Manager dialog box appears, click the plus sign (**+**) to open the Add License window.
   2. Select **License Server**, enter either the cloud license server URL or the local license server URL, and then click **OK**.

      The URL for requesting a license from the local license server looks like the following example:

      ![](/files/U7rFuSd51J7FG8pnfEI7)

      **Note:** The **Activation Code** option is only for activating a trial license.
   3. Review the license summary to see which components you are now entitled to use, and then click **Close**.

      ![](/files/G96q3hZuEuw7N2B5Hm8Q)

The PDI client application opens on your desktop.


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