These properties define which external application will be started by the External Application element and how it will behave when launched.Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pads4.com/llms.txt
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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.
Application
Options to specify which application should be launched:| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Manual | Manually enter the full path to the application executable. |
| Data Provider | Dynamically 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.
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.
Arguments
Some applications accept command line arguments for advanced launching options (e.g., opening a file, starting in silent mode).| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Manual | Manually specify the arguments used to launch the application. |
| Data Provider | Dynamically set the arguments via a data provider, column, and row. |
- Arguments:
The full command-line arguments string to use when launching the application.
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:
- 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.