Step 1: Prepare your data
Before uploading, organise your files in clear folders using meaningful and consistent file names. Include documentation such as README files, data dictionaries, methodology notes, and/or any other supporting materials.
At this point, you should also ensure that your submission is compliant with data protection regulations, ethical approvals, and funder and institutional requirements. You should make sure that data is anonymised where appropriate.
Step 2: Log in to Figshare
Access Figshare through the relevant link (Clerkenwell & Moorgate or Tooting) and sign in using your university credentials.
Step 3: Upload files
To upload files, select ‘Upload’ from the top of the webpage.
You will see a pop-up window called ‘Upload and configure’. Here you can select your organisational group and the type of output you want to upload.
To upload your files, drag and drop them into the platform or select ‘browse files’ and choose the files you want to upload. When you are ready select ‘Continue’.
Make sure that you have grouped all related files into a single item and that all necessary supporting files are included.
Step 4: Add metadata
Metadata is essential for discoverability and reuse. Good metadata makes your research easier to find and cite.
In the next section, provide details of the following:
- Item title: Select a concise, descriptive title that clearly reflects the content of the item.
- Authors: List all contributors. Select the author (internal or external) by typing their name, full email, or ORCID in the search bar.
- If you cannot find the name on the drop-down list, click on ‘add author details’ and manually input the contributor’s details, such as first and last name, email address, and ORCID.
- Category: Select the subject area that best describes the research.
- Description: Provide a clear and detailed description of the files. Include:
- Contents, methodology and any information required for reuse
- Details on the purpose of the research associated with the file as well as the methods used to generate, collect or process the files.
- Key components of the submission, software or tools required to access the files
- Limitations, access restrictions and other important contextual information that users should be aware of.
- Keywords: Add relevant keywords to improve the discoverability of your item.
- Funding information: Include details of any funders, grant numbers, or awards that supported the research, if applicable.
- Related materials: Link any associated publications, software, protocols, project websites, or datasets using persistent identifiers (e.g. DOI, URL) where available to help users discover related research outputs.
Step 5: Choose a license
Select an appropriate licence to define how others can reuse your data. You should consider funder or publisher requirements and use open licences where possible.
If you are unsure of what licence to use, get in touch for further support.
Step 6: Publish your item
Once you have provided all mandatory information about your item, you can submit it for review. The Scholarly Communications team will be in touch with feedback, if necessary. Once approved, your item will be published and made available and a DOI will be assigned.
Once your item is published, you can add the DOI to your journal article or outputs.
Further actions
If your data cannot be fully open, Figshare allows you to apply an embargo period, publish metadata only, restrict access, and more.
To complete any of the actions above, select the relevant option from the list of item actions on the right side of the page:
Add embargo: Apply an embargo period to restrict public access to the files until a specified release date.
Share with private link: Generate a private link to allow selected individuals to view the item before publication.
Reserve DOI: Reserve a DOI before publication for use in manuscripts, grant applications, or other research outputs.
Edit timeline: View and manage key dates associated with the item, including publication and embargo release dates.