Install XNAT Desktop Client

The XNAT Desktop Client (also called “Data Transfer Manager” or DXM) is a robust desktop application for downloading imaging data from XNAT servers. It’s particularly valuable for downloading large datasets reliably with pause, resume, and cancel capabilities.

Key Advantages:

  • Bulk download reliability - handles large datasets that might fail with browser downloads

  • Transfer management - pause, resume, and cancel downloads as needed

  • Background processing - downloads continue even if you close your browser

  • Automatic authentication - seamless integration with XNAT web interface

For comprehensive documentation, visit the official XNAT Desktop Client documentation.

Download and Installation

Download Location: https://www.xnat.org/download/desktop-client/

Windows Installation

  1. Download the .exe file from the official download page

  2. Run the .exe file to launch the one-step installer

  3. Automatic setup - installing the application will automatically install file-handling support for all your browsers

macOS Installation

  1. Download the .DMG file from the official download page

  2. Install by opening the .DMG file and dragging the app into your Applications folder

  3. Security setup - if you get a security warning when launching: - Open System Preferences > Security > General - Look for a message about this app and click “Open Anyway”

Linux Installation

Linux installation requires additional setup steps. For detailed instructions, see the official Linux installation guide.

Requirements:

  • Compatible JRE (Java Runtime Environment)

  • C++ ABI version 1.3.9 support

  • Supported distributions: Ubuntu 18.04+, CentOS 8

Basic Steps:

  1. Verify system requirements

  2. Install Java 8 JRE

  3. Download .AppImage file

  4. Make file executable and run

System Requirements

General:

  • Compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux

  • Recommended for native (non-virtualized) systems

  • Network access to your XNAT server

Linux Specific:

  • Java 8 JRE

  • C++ ABI version 1.3.9 support

  • Note: RHEL/CentOS 7.x and Fedora 19 (and earlier) are not supported

Initial Setup

Server Connection:

  1. Launch the XNAT Desktop Client

  2. Click “Settings” (gear icon) in the upper right corner

  3. Navigate to server connections

  4. Add your XNAT server:

    • Server URL: xnat.abudhabi.nyu.edu

    • Username: Your XNAT alias (get from browser: click your name → copy alias)

    • Password: Secret key (get from browser: click your name → copy secret)

Default Download Location: Set a default download location in Application Settings to avoid selecting a folder each time.

Verification

After installation, verify the setup by:

  1. Launch the Desktop Client

  2. Connect to your XNAT server using your credentials

  3. Test with a small download to ensure everything works properly

Troubleshooting

Security Warnings (macOS):

  • Open System Preferences > Security > General

  • Allow the application when prompted

Connection Issues:

  • Verify server URL is correct: xnat.abudhabi.nyu.edu

  • Ensure you’re using alias/secret from XNAT web interface

  • Check network connectivity to XNAT server

Linux Installation Issues:

  • Verify Java 8 JRE is properly installed

  • Check C++ ABI compatibility

  • Consult the official Linux guide

Next Steps

Once installed and configured:

  1. Learn to use the client: Download via Desktop Client

  2. Download data from your XNAT projects

  3. Set up automated download workflows