In the following examples, the parameters are shown in red:
Open a file and interpret with ANSI encoding:
- Example:
C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe /A myFile.txt
Open a file in read-only mode:
- Example:
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15\EXCEL.EXE /r "C:\my File.xlsx"
Open a file with a specific program:
- Example:
C:\Windows\System32\notepad++.exe myFile.txt
Open a web page with a specific browser:
TIP: Put the path to the browser as the Written Form, and put the URL to the web page as the application parameter.
- Example:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Firefox https://support.nvoq.com/nvoq-dictation
## Keyboard Automations
**This type of shortcut does not run on any current nVoq client.**
Shortcuts that **simulate keyboard input** are for you if you:
- Use the Tab key, directional arrows, or click multiple times to navigate through forms, menus, and dialogs
- Don't use keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys because they are too hard to remember.
For example, in some spreadsheet applications, the following key sequence fills the current cell with yellow: `ALT, H, H, DOWN, DOWN, DOWN, DOWN, DOWN, DOWN, DOWN, DOWN, RIGHT, RIGHT, RIGHT`. But that's a lot of keys to remember and type in.
**Keyboard automations can simulate typing *regular* text too. However, if you just want regular text inserted into your application, it may be easier to use a shortcut that inserts text. See [Insert Text](/docs/shortcut-guide#insert-text).**
### In a Firefox browser, open a new tab:
`Alt F, T`
**In Windows 10**, open onscreen keyboard:
`WINDOWS Ctrl O`
**In a text field or document,** highlight the previous word and delete it.
`shift ctrl LEFT, DELETE`
**This one may not work if you have Num Lock enabled. As a work-around, use with Num Lock disabled or alternatively, use a [Workflow Automation](/docs/shortcut-guide#workflow-automation):**
`Send("+^{LEFT}")Send("{DELETE}")`
**In Microsoft Outlook**, open a new message, type into the subject line (*My Subject*) and type some text in the body of the message (*This is an example.*)
`ALT, H, N, TAB, TAB, SHIFT M, y, SPACE, SHIFT S, u, b, j, e, c, t, TAB, SHIFT T, h, i, s, SPACE, i, s, SPACE, a, n, SPACE, e, x, a, m, p, l, e, PERIOD`
### How Do I Enter Keys?
Generally, enter a key (e) or a key combination (Shift S) separated by a comma (,) as shown in the examples above.
All characters on US English keyboard are allowed in a keyboard automation. Characters that are not on a US English keyboard (like `ø`, `Æ`, or `þ`) are automatically removed when you save the shortcut.
nVoq Administrator includes a key recorder to make creating keyboard automations easier. Be sure to *test* your shortcut *as you're working* to quickly find problems or where you might need to add delays.
The `SHIFT` key may not be recognized while running automations if the Num Lock key is enabled. As a work-around, run your keyboard automation with Num Lock disabled. Due to a defect in Java, the `UP`, `DOWN`, `RIGHT`, and `LEFT` arrow keys may be recognized as `NUMPAD8`, `NUMPAD2`, `NUMPAD 6`, and `NUMPAD4` (respectively) when Num Lock is enabled. As a work-around you can run keyboard automations with Num Lock disabled, or you can use a [Workflow Automation](http://support.nvoq.com/shortcut-guide$workflow-automation) shortcut that includes the command `Send("+^{LEFT}")` in place of `LEFT`.
### Why Do I Need a Delay?
A delay adds a brief pause before sending the next key(s). In some cases a shortcut client can send simulated keystrokes faster than your application, computer, or network can respond.
If your shortcut doesn't work as expected, you may need to add a delay to pause your shortcut while your application or computer catches up.
**Each single "delay" = 200 milliseconds (5 delays = 1000 milliseconds or 1 second).**
- You can add multiple "delays" or you can put an equal sign after a delay (`delay=`) with a specific time parameter after it to specify the length of a delay.