How to Use the Open Function on StreamDock

How to Use the Open Function on StreamDock

Open Websites, Apps, Files, and Custom Shortcuts

The Open Function is one of the most commonly used features on StreamDock devices, stream deck alternatives, macro keyboards, and LCD control decks.

With a single button press, you can quickly:

  • Open websites
  • Launch applications
  • Open files or folders
  • Start workflows
  • Trigger productivity shortcuts

This guide explains:

  • The difference between Website, Open an App, and Open
  • How to configure each one
  • Common troubleshooting tips
  • Advanced usage examples

Based on the original tutorial document

What Is the Open Function?

The Open Function allows your device to quickly launch predefined tasks.

Common examples include:

  • Opening Discord
  • Launching OBS
  • Opening Google Chrome
  • Opening a folder
  • Opening a document
  • Launching a streaming workflow
  • Starting productivity tools

This feature is available on:

  • All StreamDock models
  • All AI Keyboard models

Perfect for:

  • Workflow automation
  • Streaming setup
  • OBS control
  • Gaming setup
  • Office workflow
  • AI productivity
  • Creator tools

Understanding the Three Open Modes

The software provides three different “Open” actions.

1. Website

Best For:

Opening websites quickly

Example Uses

  • Google
  • YouTube
  • Twitch Dashboard
  • ChatGPT
  • Spotify Web Player
  • Cloud dashboards

How to Set It Up

Step 1

Drag the Website action into the key configuration area.

Or:

  • Double-click it to add automatically

Step 2

Select the action and enter the target URL inside the property panel.

Example:

https://www.google.com

Pressing the button will now open that webpage automatically.

Website Icon Tip

The software automatically tries to fetch the website favicon.

If the icon does not load correctly:

  • This is normal
  • Some websites block icon fetching
  • You can manually replace the icon later

2. Open an App

Best For:

Launching installed applications

Example Uses

  • Discord
  • OBS
  • Photoshop
  • Steam
  • Spotify
  • Chrome

Perfect for:

  • Streaming workflow
  • OBS controller setups
  • Productivity workflow
  • Gaming setup
  • Creator tools

How to Set It Up

Step 1

Drag Open an App into the key configuration area.

Or:

  • Double-click it to add automatically

Step 2

Select the target application from the dropdown list.

The software scans installed applications automatically.

Why the Software May Lag Briefly

When opening the app list, the software scans installed programs.

This may briefly cause:

  • Minor lag
  • Slow loading
  • Delayed dropdown display

This behavior is normal.

App Missing From the List?

If your application does not appear:

Simply drag the application shortcut directly into the configuration area.

This is usually the fastest setup method.

3. Open (Advanced Mode)

Best For:

Advanced workflow automation

The Open action is the most flexible option.

Instead of selecting apps from a list, it uses:

  • Absolute file paths
  • File execution
  • Launch parameters
  • Arguments

Perfect for advanced users building:

  • Automation tools
  • Productivity workflows
  • AI workflows
  • Streaming setup automation
  • Custom shortcut systems

How to Set It Up

Step 1

Drag Open into the key configuration area.

Or:

  • Double-click to add automatically

Step 2

Enter the absolute path inside the:

APP/File

field.

Examples:

  • Applications
  • Files
  • Folders
  • Executable programs

Using Arguments (Advanced)

The Arguments field allows more advanced functionality.

Example:

Launch Chrome and open a specific webpage

This is useful for:

  • Workflow automation
  • Browser shortcuts
  • Streaming setup
  • Productivity tools
  • Custom creator workflows

Real-World Examples

Streaming Setup

One button can:

Launch OBS
→ Open Twitch Dashboard
→ Open Spotify

Perfect for:

  • OBS control
  • Twitch plugin workflows
  • Streaming workflow automation

Productivity Workflow

One button can:

Open Slack
→ Launch Chrome
→ Open Work Folder

Great for:

  • Office workflow
  • Productivity tools
  • Automation tools
  • Windows productivity
  • Mac productivity

AI Workflow Setup

One button can:

Open ChatGPT
→ Open AI Notes
→ Launch Browser Workspace

Perfect for:

  • AI productivity
  • Creator AI workflows
  • ChatGPT workflow automation

Quick Troubleshooting Tips

Website Not Opening

Check:

  • URL formatting
  • Internet connection
  • Browser permissions

App Not Appearing

Try:

  • Dragging the app shortcut directly
  • Restarting the software
  • Running software as administrator

File Path Not Working

Make sure:

  • The file path is correct
  • The file still exists
  • Special characters are supported

Beginner Tips

If you’re new to workflow automation:

  • Start with Website or Open an App
  • Use Open (Advanced) later
  • Build simple shortcuts first
  • Expand gradually

Final Thoughts

The Open Function is one of the most powerful features on StreamDock devices.

Whether you’re using:

  • A stream deck alternative
  • A wireless stream deck
  • A macro keyboard
  • A keyboard with screen
  • A creator control deck

This feature can significantly improve:

  • Productivity workflow
  • Streaming setup
  • Gaming setup
  • Office workflow
  • AI productivity
  • Custom shortcut automation

Once you get familiar with it, complex workflows become simple one-button actions.

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