> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.api.ecoinvent.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.api.ecoinvent.org/getting-started/find-a-dataset.md).

# Find a dataset

Once you have set up your Authentication, you are ready to use the API to access the ecoinvent database.

### How to use the ecoinvent API

Follow these 4 steps to get the dataset(s) you need:

1. Decide what [Version](/api-reference/versions.md) and [System model](https://support.ecoinvent.org/system-models) you want to use.
2. Find the dataset `id` using [Search](/api-reference/search.md) endpoint. Results are grouped by activity → products → datasets, and support semantic search.
3. Select the indicator `id` from the [Indicators](/api-reference/indicators.md) endpoint.
4. Use both IDs in [Datasets](/api-reference/datasets.md) to extract metadata & impact scores for your selected datasets.

### Best practices for selecting a dataset

To select the best match for your dataset, we recommend the following:

**Make your search precise** by using a well-formed `query` and `filters`. The search endpoint supports both keyword and semantic search queries.

**Verify that these three key identifiers match your search:**

* Activity
* Product
* Geography

**If you're still unsure about the selection**, read the full documentation on ecoQuery using the link provided in the metadata.