> Documentation index: https://docs.kiste.run/llms.txt, a list of every page in this documentation.

# Overview

> Open a Kiste's GNOME desktop in the browser with a desktop link that only works for your account.

Every Kiste has a full GNOME desktop with Firefox, Chrome and the usual apps.
You open it in a browser at **desktop.kiste.run**, from any computer, tablet or
phone, with nothing to install.

```bash
kiste desktop                  # opens the current Kiste's desktop in your browser
kiste desktop review-42
kiste new studio --desktop     # create a Kiste and open its desktop
```

In the console, open the entry under **Machines** and choose **Desktop**.

## Desktop links

`kiste desktop` creates a **desktop link** and opens it. A link:

- opens **one Kiste's** desktop;
- works **only in browsers signed in to your account**: someone else who gets
  the link sees a sign-in page, not your desktop ([D06](https://docs.kiste.run/errors/d.md#d06));
- can be opened **any number of times**, on any of your devices, until it
  expires;
- expires after **one hour** by default; choose up to seven days with `--ttl`;
- survives stopping and resuming the Kiste.

```bash
kiste desktop review-42 --ttl 8h --print-url   # print a link valid for eight hours
kiste desktop review-42 --revoke               # revoke every live link of review-42
```

`--print-url` prints the link instead of opening it, for example to open it on
another device. When a link expires or is revoked, only *new* browsers can no
longer join: a desktop that is already open keeps running. Several links can be
live at once, and creating one never invalidates another. Deleting the Kiste
and [signing out everywhere](https://docs.kiste.run/account/sessions.md#sign-out-everywhere) end all
links.

Desktop links carry their secret in the part of the address after `#`, which
browsers don't send to servers, and the viewer removes it from the address bar
and history before it does anything else.

## What you get

- Video at up to 60 frames per second with low latency, adapted to your
  connection. On a Retina or other dense display the picture is sharp at the
  display's own resolution.
- Desktop audio.
- Keyboard and mouse, including your keyboard layout, Mac shortcuts and games
  that capture the pointer.
- Text clipboard in both directions, with a safety rule for copying out of the
  Kiste; see [Clipboard](https://docs.kiste.run/desktop/clipboard.md).
- Several viewers on one desktop at once; see [Devices and multiple
  viewers](https://docs.kiste.run/desktop/devices.md).

[The viewer](https://docs.kiste.run/desktop/viewer.md) explains the controls.

## When the desktop isn't ready yet

A Kiste accepts SSH a few seconds before its desktop streams. The viewer waits
and connects as soon as the desktop is up. A stopped Kiste has to be started
first: `kiste start NAME`.

| Code | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| [D01](https://docs.kiste.run/errors/d.md#d01) | The desktop isn't streaming yet. The viewer retries by itself. |
| [D03](https://docs.kiste.run/errors/d.md#d03) | The video connection couldn't be set up. See [Connection](https://docs.kiste.run/desktop/connection.md). |
| [D06](https://docs.kiste.run/errors/d.md#d06) | This browser isn't signed in to the account that owns the Kiste. |
| [D07](https://docs.kiste.run/errors/d.md#d07) | The link expired, was revoked or belongs to another account. Create a new one. |

## Related topics

- [The viewer](https://docs.kiste.run/desktop/viewer.md)
- [Clipboard](https://docs.kiste.run/desktop/clipboard.md)
- [Devices and multiple viewers](https://docs.kiste.run/desktop/devices.md)
- [Connection](https://docs.kiste.run/desktop/connection.md)
- Previous: [Automation](https://docs.kiste.run/kisten/automation.md)
- Next: [The viewer](https://docs.kiste.run/desktop/viewer.md)