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Docsets are offline documentation packages that Zeal uses to provide searchable API documentation. Each docset contains documentation for a specific programming language, framework, or library.

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What are Docsets?

Docsets are structured documentation archives originally created for Dash, the macOS documentation browser. Zeal is fully compatible with Dash docsets, giving you access to hundreds of pre-built documentation packages. Each docset includes:
  • Complete API documentation
  • Searchable index of all symbols, classes, and functions
  • Version-specific content
  • Icon and metadata

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Accessing the Docset Manager

To manage your docsets, open the Docset Manager dialog:
1

Open the Tools menu

Navigate to Tools → Docsets in the menu bar
2

Browse available docsets

The dialog shows two tabs:
  • Installed Docsets: Docsets you’ve already downloaded
  • Available Docsets: All docsets you can download
You can also access this dialog by pressing the keyboard shortcut if one is configured in your settings.

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Downloading Docsets

1

Switch to Available Docsets tab

Click the Available Docsets tab in the Docset Manager
2

Search or browse

Use the filter box to search for specific docsets by name (e.g., “Python”, “JavaScript”, “React”)
3

Select docsets to download

Click on a docset to select it, or use Ctrl+Click (Cmd+Click on macOS) to select multiple docsets
4

Download

Click the Download button or simply double-click a docset to start downloading immediately
Zeal will download and install the docset automatically. Progress is shown with a progress bar for each docset.

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Quick Download

You can also double-click any docset in the Available list to immediately start downloading it without selecting and clicking the Download button.

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Updating Docsets

Docsets are periodically updated to reflect new versions of their documentation. Zeal checks for updates automatically.
  1. Go to the Installed Docsets tab
  2. Select the docset showing an update indicator
  3. Click Update Selected Docsets
  4. Or simply double-click the docset with an available update
  1. Go to the Installed Docsets tab
  2. Click Update All Docsets button
  3. Zeal will download and install updates for all docsets that have newer versions available
Updates replace the existing docset entirely. Your search history and bookmarks are preserved.

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Removing Docsets

To free up disk space or remove docsets you no longer need:
1

Open Installed Docsets

Switch to the Installed Docsets tab in the Docset Manager
2

Select docsets to remove

Click to select one or more docsets you want to remove
3

Remove

Click the Remove button
4

Confirm

Confirm the removal when prompted

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Custom Docsets and Dash Feeds

Zeal supports custom docsets through Dash feeds, allowing you to add documentation not available in the official repository.

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Adding a Dash Feed

1

Get the feed URL

Obtain a dash-feed:// URL or direct feed URL from the docset provider
2

Open Installed Docsets

Go to the Installed Docsets tab
3

Add Feed

Click the Add Feed button
4

Enter URL

Paste the feed URL and click OK
Zeal will fetch the feed metadata and download the docset. Custom docsets added via feeds will automatically check for updates.
If you have a dash-feed:// URL in your clipboard when you click Add Feed, Zeal will automatically populate it in the dialog.

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Docset Storage Location

Docsets are stored in a configurable location on your system. You can change the storage path in Edit → Preferences → General.
If the docset storage location is read-only or doesn’t exist, you won’t be able to download, update, or remove docsets. The Docset Manager will display a warning message in this case.

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Creating Your Own Docsets

You can create custom docsets for your own documentation using the same format as Dash. Follow the Dash docset generation guide for detailed instructions on creating docsets from HTML documentation.

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