> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sonoransoftware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sonoransoftware.com/cad/tutorials/dispatching/shortcuts.md).

# Shortcuts

Record and automate flows with shortcuts!

## What are Shortcuts?

Shortcuts allow you to record multiple button presses, menu selections, key presses, and replay them with a hotkey, taskbar click, or Stream Deck key.

Ex: A **Plate** shortcut automatically opens a new lookup, selects the plate search type, and highlights the search box for entry.

## Creating a Shortcut

### Recording a Shortcut

Select **Shortcuts** in the taskbar > **Record New Shortcut**. This will start recording all menu selections, button presses, and more. Select **Stop** at the top of your screen once you are finished recording the workflow.

<figure><img src="https://232668649-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M4pGN81fb4R6zFhodcu%2Fuploads%2Fi3uFcyi2Li9FvXY7Cgsn%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=69516ef3-6f90-4030-92a9-68d7db3d5b2b" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Customizing a Shortcut

Once a shortcut has been recorded, edit the label, icon, optional l hotkey, and optional CLI command. Select **Add Step** to record an additional step, a keypress, or mark a textbox as a new CLI variable.

<figure><img src="https://232668649-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M4pGN81fb4R6zFhodcu%2Fuploads%2FUUJebltJ5i3eRqGvUOhU%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=bb67fbf4-b1d6-46db-930c-105b32c7dcab" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Command Line Interface (CLI)

Shortcuts also integrate with the [CLI](/cad/tutorials/dispatching/command-line-interface-cli.md). Enter a **CLI Command** name to add the shortcut to your CLI options. Additionally, select **Add Step** > **CLI Variable** > name the variable and select the step where the variable's CLI answer should be entered.

<figure><img src="https://232668649-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M4pGN81fb4R6zFhodcu%2Fuploads%2Fv2byetqo306zayU23DMD%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=e6c37196-ab06-470b-b813-edcd34ebbb4c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://232668649-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M4pGN81fb4R6zFhodcu%2Fuploads%2FreIJRuKlU4fS93OLRLiZ%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=d7b8290d-1c8f-4e38-8d4a-a80c63f7bd34" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


---

# 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 dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.sonoransoftware.com/cad/tutorials/dispatching/shortcuts.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

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.
