The fourth part of our step-by-step series for the MSI Builder explains how to add shortcuts for your application in three distinct places.
Shortcuts to your application and/or associated tools can be placed on the Desktop, in the Start Menu, or in the Startup folder. The latter will launch them when your computer boots up and a user signs in.
Remember the “Install for All Users” flag on the initial settings page? That flag determines if these shortcuts are visible to all users or only to the user installing the product.
General
Name
This is the name the shortcut shows at the target location. It is advisable to keep this short. Titles that are too long use multiple lines and overlap with other desktop icons.
Description
This is the text a tooltip will show when you hover over your shortcut. This is optional but highly recommended.
Arguments
This field defines parameters for the application your shortcut launches. You can, for example, define three shortcuts to the same application using different arguments.
Paths
Shortcut Target
The file to be launched when the user clicks on the shortcut. It is recommended to use the ‘…’ button to pick a target. Use [INSTALLDIR] instead of a fixed path.
Working Directory
While this is optional, it is advisable to define this and default to INSTALLDIR if there is no other specific choice.
Display
The Display section enables you to customize the appearance of your shortcut.
Icon
If you do not specify anything, the first icon of the target file is used by Windows. If your target has no specific icon, i.e. a PowerShell script, Windows will use a file type associated icon or something generic.
Run Mode
The run mode selection is pretty self-explanatory. You can make the shortcut run your application “Normal”, “Maximized”, or “Minimized”.
Related
- MSI Builder Step-by-Step: Product Details
- MSI Builder Step-by-Step: Files and Folders
- MSI Builder Step-by-Step: User Interface
- MSI Builder Step-by-Step: PowerShell Modules
- MSI Builder Step-by-Step: Signing
- MSI Builder Step-by-Step: Custom Actions
- MSI Builder Step-by-Step: Services
Feedback
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to post a comment below or use the SAPIEN Support Forum.
