> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pads4.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Start application properties

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

***

### **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:
  ```
  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.