> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.creativeconners.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.creativeconners.com/docs/spikemark/how-to-open-spikemark.md).
# How to Open Spikemark
{% hint style="danger" %}
**Opening your show file directly does not always allow Spikemark to operate in the most efficient manner.**
**This can result in degraded performance as well as missing features such as Firmware Updates.**
{% endhint %}
## Ways to Open Spikemark Correctly
1. Through the Start Menu
2. Windows Shortcut
3. Task Bar
#### Open Spikemark through the Start Menu
1. Click on Start or press the Windows Key
2. Type in `Spikemark`
3. Click on **Spikemark App**
4. Open your show file from **File>Open**
Open Spikemark from Start
#### Create and Open Spikemark from a Windows Shortcut
1. Navigate to Spikemark.exe in your programs folder
1. Default location is `C:\Program Files\Spikemark`
2. Single left click on **SpikeMark.exe** to highlight it
3. Press **CTRL+C** to copy
4. Right click on the Desktop and select **Paste shortcut**
5. Double-click on the shortcut that says SpikeMarke.exe - Shortcut to open
6. Open your show file from **File>Open**
Create and Open Spikemark Shortcut
#### Pin and Open Spikemark from the Taskbar
1. Click on Start or press the Windows Key
2. Type in `Spikemark`
3. Right click on **Spikemark App** and select **Pin to taskbar**
4. Click on the Spikemark icon from the Taskbar to open
5. Open your show file from **File>Open**
Pin and Open Spikemark from the Taskbar
## Open a show file in Spikemark
1. Press **Ctrl+O**
\-- **or --**
1. Click on **File** in the top left corner of the menu bar
2. Click on **Open**
3. Navigate to your show file in File Explorer and click Open
---
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