# Open Shortcuts

Feature Showcase

- create a directory shortcut

Open shortcuts are references stored in projects or the Toolbox that point to directories on a local or network drive. When an open shortcut is invoked, the standard Open File dialog box is displayed with the contents of the directory. Open shortcuts make it quick to access deep directories that are frequently used.

Refer to Adding Components to Projects or Adding Components to the Toolbox for instructions on adding components to projects or the Toolbox. In addition, open shortcuts can be created by right-clicking a file in a project or the Toolbox and selecting Make "Open..." Shortcut.

## Open Shortcut Options

To access options for the selected open shortcut, do one of the following:

- Toolbox|shortcut_name|option or Project|shortcut_name|option: When an open shortcut is selected in the Projects sidebar or Toolbox, use the Project or Toolbox drop-down menus to access the list of options. The name of the open shortcut that is currently selected in a project or the Toolbox is displayed on the drop-down menu.
- Context Menu: Right-click the open shortcut in a project or the Toolbox and select the desired option.

The following options are available:

- Open (Shortcut): Use this option to display the contents of the folder specified in the open shortcut.
- Cut/Copy/Paste: These options are used to remove components from a project or the Toolbox, or to move components between the Projects sidebar and the Toolbox.
- Export as Project File: When this option is invoked, a new project file is created that contains the open shortcut from which the option is invoked. You are prompted to provide the name of the new project file and the directory where it will be stored. To open the new project file, select File|Open|Project.
- Export Package: Open shortcuts can be archived and distributed among multiple Komodo users via "packages". Packages are compressed archive files that contain the open shortcut from which the Export Package option was invoked. Packages are stored in files with a ".kpz" extension, and can be opened by any archiving utility that supports `libz` (for example WinZip). The Export Package option differs from the Export as Project File option in that copies of filesystem-based components (such as files and dialog projects) are included in the archive. Conversely, Export as Project File creates a project with a reference to the component's original location and does not create copies of the components. When Export Package is invoked, you are prompted for a name and file location for the package. Exported packages can only be imported into "container" objects in Komodo, such as projects, the Toolbox, and folders within projects and the Toolbox. See Toolbox - Exporting and Importing Toolbox Contents, Importing and Exporting Projects via Packages, or Folders - Import Contents from Package for more information.
- Rename: To change the name of an open shortcut, select this option and enter a new name.
- Delete: To remove an open shortcut from a project or the Toolbox, select this option. The open shortcut is permanently deleted.

### Open Shortcut Properties

Open shortcut properties are used to alter the destination of the shortcut or to change the open shortcut's name. The Properties dialog box is also used to assign a custom icon to an open shortcut or to assign a custom key binding. To access the Properties dialog box, right-click the open shortcut and select Properties.

#### Assigning Custom Icons to Open Shortcuts

The default open shortcut icon can be replaced with custom icons. Komodo includes more than 600 icons; alternatively, select a custom image stored on a local or network drive (use 16x16-pixel images for best results).

To assign a custom icon to an open shortcut:

1. In the Projects sidebar or Toolbox tab, right-click the desired open shortcut and select Properties. Alternatively, click the open shortcut in the Projects tab or Toolbox tab, then select Projects|shortcut_name|Properties or Toolbox|shortcut_name|Properties.
2. In the Properties dialog box, click Change Icon.
3. In the Pick an Icon dialog box, select a new icon and click OK. Alternatively, click Choose Other, and browse to the desired image file.
4. In the Properties dialog box for the open shortcut, click OK. The custom icon is displayed next to the open shortcut.

To revert to the default icon for a selected open shortcut:

1. In the Projects sidebar or Toolbox tab, right-click the desired open shortcut and select Properties.
2. Click Reset, then click OK. The default icon is displayed next to the open shortcut.

#### Open Shortcut Key Bindings

Custom key bindings can be assigned to open shortcuts stored in the Toolbox or in a Project. Use the Key Binding tab in the open shortcut's Properties to specify the keystrokes that invoke the open shortcut. See Key Bindings for Custom Components for more information.