Introduction

Open Data Platform by OpenBB (ODP) is the open-source toolset that helps data engineers to integrate proprietary, licensed, and public data sources into downstream applications like AI copilots and research dashboards. ODP operates as the "connect once, consume everywhere" infrastructure layer that consolidates and exposes data to multiple surfaces at once:

• Python environment for quants
• OpenBB Workspace and Excel for analysts
• MCP servers for AI agents
• REST APIs for other applications

ODP Desktop

ODP Desktop is a light-weight application (macOS & Windows) for installing and using the open-source tools, along with your favourite developer tools and resources. Its features are well-suited for building language-agnostic OpenBB Workspace Applications and agentic workflows.

Application Screenshot

Quick Start

Download and install the latest release from: https://github.com/OpenBB-finance/OpenBB/releases/tag/ODP

Installation Summary - See the installation page for more details.

The initial environment (openbb) is setup when you first run the application, and comes with:

• OpenBB Core Python packages
  • openbb-api and openbb-mcp executables
• Optional packages selected during installation
• Jupyter Lab & Notebook in a dedicated window
  • Python langugage server
• Isolated npm executable

important

When the application is started (except first launch), no window is created. Access it from the tray icon menu, or doubleclick on the shortcut again.

Step 1

Go to the API Keys page, add or import your provider credentials, if needed.

Step 2

Navigate to the Backends page by clicking on it in the header, or selecting from the tray icon's menu.

Step 3

Press the, Start, button for the OpenBB API backend.

info

By default, this will run: openbb-api --host 127.0.0.1 --port 6900

Application Screenshot

4. Open Workspace in your browser and connect to http://127.0.0.1:6900. You now have a fully local data stack.

Workspace Screenshot

note

Number of widgets and applications will depend on packages and versions installed in the environment.

Overview

The application operates as a system tray icon, and its main window has three, navigatable, screens:

Backends
Define and control background servers such as `openbb-api` or any custom script.
Environments
Create and manage isolated Conda Python environments.
API Keys
Manage API Keys for use with the OpenBB Python packages and API.

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Next Steps

• Use the OpenBB Python Package as a Workspace backend.
• Create your own custom Environments, or modify the existing.
• Define custom Backends to run independently, in any environment.