To run VISOR, you provide a VTK or VTM input file. If you want, you can include
optional metadata in start and update requests. VISOR's three modes of operation let
you pick the launch method that best matches your workflow.

.. grid:: 2
  :gutter: 4

  .. grid-item-card:: :material-outlined:`input;2em`
    :link-type: doc
    :link: /user_guide/launching_visor/input

    .. raw:: html

      <span style="font-size: 1.5em; color:#5a2a82;">Supply an input file</span>

    Learn which input formats VISOR supports.

  .. grid-item-card:: :material-outlined:`description;2em`
    :link-type: doc
    :link: /user_guide/launching_visor/metadata

    .. raw:: html

      <span style="font-size: 1.5em; color:#5a2a82;">Use metadata</span>

    Learn how to use metadata in start and update requests.

  .. grid-item-card:: :material-outlined:`add_circle;2em`
    :link-type: doc
    :link: /user_guide/launching_visor/visor_python_api

    .. raw:: html

      <span style="font-size: 1.5em; color:#5a2a82;">Launch VISOR using the Python API</span>

    Launch VISOR from a Python script using the Python API.

  .. grid-item-card:: :material-outlined:`download_done;2em`
    :link-type: doc
    :link: /user_guide/launching_visor/visor_service

    .. raw:: html

      <span style="font-size: 1.5em; color:#5a2a82;">Launch VISOR using the HTTP API service</span>

    Launch VISOR with the HTTP API service and manage multiple 3D visualization instances.

  .. grid-item-card:: :material-outlined:`dashboard_customize;2em`
    :link-type: doc
    :link: /user_guide/launching_visor/visor_dash_component

    .. raw:: html

      <span style="font-size: 1.5em; color:#5a2a82;">Use the VISOR Dash component</span>

    Run VISOR and connect to it in a Dash app with the VISOR Dash component.