> 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
To ensure that all background processes open correctly
{% 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
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:
```
GET https://docs.creativeconners.com/docs/spikemark/how-to-open-spikemark.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
