1. Create account. Follow the invitation link in your email to figshare to create an account. If you already have an account in figshare simply log in.

  2. Connect to ORCID (optional). After you've created your account, if you have an ORCID please consider linking your figshare account to your ORCID account! After doing so, any data you put in figshare will also appear in your ORCID profile.

  3. Accept the invitation. Now that you are logged in, you should see a notification on your activity tab inviting you to the project.

    Click on the Activity tab and mouse over the invitation to see more information, and then click the Join project button to accept.
  4. Upload data files. Now you can upload your files - click on + Create a new item or drag-and-drop your files into the middle of your My data tab

    At the top of the metadata form you can either drag-and-drop your files to upload them or click on the browse link to browse your computer to locate files to upload.
  5. Describe your data. More information on each of the required metadata fields (title, categories, licensing, etc.) can be found here:
    Describe your data (add metadata) - Figshare for Institutions - SI Collaboration WIKI

    (warning) Please make sure to change the title to something meaningful! Figshare automatically changes the title of your dataset to match the filename of the first file you upload.

    You will automatically be added as an author. If there are additional authors, you can add them by typing in their email address (to find if they have a figshare account) or their name into the author(s) field. If they don't have a figshare account, you can still add them as an author by typing in their full name.


  6. Save and review your work. Once you have filled out all the required metadata, click Save changes. Do not yet check the box for publish unless you are 100% certain that all your files and metadata are correct.


    (info) Steps 7 and 8 are interchangeable - you can move your dataset into the project first and then publish it (make it publicly available) or you can publish first and then move it into the project - it is up to you.

  7. Publish your data. When you are ready to publish, edit the dataset by mousing over the title - a small pencil should appear at the far right end. Click on the pencil to open up the metadata entry form again.

    Review your metadata and files to ensure completeness and make any necessary changes. When you're done, check the box next to publish and then Save changes. Your dataset is now publicly visible.

  8. Add your data to the project. To move the dataset into the project, check the box next to the left of your dataset and choose Move to/from project from the Actions menu




You've been invited to collaborate on a Smithsonian project in figshare - what next?

  1. Create an account in figshare, or log into an account if you already have one.
  2. (Optional) connect your account to your ORCID profile.
  3. Accept the invitation and join the project space.
  4. Upload your data files.
  5. Fill out the metadata form to describe your data.
  6. Save and review your work.
  7. Publish your data (make it publicly available.)
  8. Add your data to the project.

If you have questions you can contact the colleague who invited you, or if you can return to this site by clicking on the Help link below your profile avatar.