These properties define which external application will be started by the External Application element and how it will behave when launched.

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Start Application

  • Do not start this Application when already running
    If enabled, PADS4 will not start a new instance of the external application if it is already running.
    Instead, it will activate the running instance.

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Application

Options to specify which application should be launched:
OptionDescription
ManualManually enter the full path to the application executable.
Data ProviderDynamically set the application path via a data provider, column, and row.
  • Application:
    The full file path of the executable to be launched. You can use the browse button to locate the file.
Note: The path is absolute and must be valid on the playback device.

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Data Provider (Optional Alternative to Manual)

A Data Provider can be used to dynamically determine which application to start:
  • Data Provider: The external data source (table, query, XML, RSS, etc.).
  • Column: The specific column in the data source containing the application path.
  • Row: The row to read the application value from.

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Arguments

Some applications accept command line arguments for advanced launching options (e.g., opening a file, starting in silent mode).
OptionDescription
ManualManually specify the arguments used to launch the application.
Data ProviderDynamically set the arguments via a data provider, column, and row.
  • Arguments:
    The full command-line arguments string to use when launching the application.

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Remarks & Tips

  • If spaces are present in the Application or Arguments path, PADS4 automatically adds quotes "", so you don’t need to add them manually, unless required within the command.
  • Example for running a PowerPoint presentation without showing the PowerPoint window: 
    Application: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Powerpoint Viewer\PPTView.exe  
Arguments: /s sample.ppt
  • If the data provider contains fewer rows than specified in the Row field, no application will be started.
  • Quotes are added automatically when necessary (e.g., for file paths containing spaces).
  • Useful when integrating external tools, files, or processes into your PADS4 presentation workflow.