> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.labii.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.labii.com/widgets/dashboard-widgets/productivity/shortcut/applications.md).

# Applications

## Specs

| Label                     | Value                         |
| ------------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| **Version**               | 1.0.0 (updated on 2024-05-20) |
| **Developer**             | Labii Inc.                    |
| **Type**                  | Dashboard                     |
| **Support Configuration** | No                            |

## Overview

The Applications widget provides a lightweight dashboard shortcut to the applications available in your Labii workspace. Instead of navigating through side-menu hierarchies, users can open application contexts directly from the dashboard and move faster between ELN, LIMS, inventory, quality, and project workflows. This widget is best suited for personal and team dashboards where quick context switching and reduced navigation time improve daily productivity.

## Use Cases

* **Daily workspace navigation**: Open commonly used applications directly from the dashboard at the start of each work session.
* **Role-based dashboards**: Keep only role-relevant applications visible for scientists, lab managers, QA staff, or operations teams.
* **Cross-functional workflows**: Move quickly between applications when work spans inventory, experiments, quality checks, and reporting.
* **Shared team dashboards**: Provide a consistent launch point so teams access the same application set.
* **Executive and oversight dashboards**: Keep strategic applications one click away without scanning the full side menu.

## Configuration

The Applications widget does not require a dedicated configuration panel. After adding it to a dashboard, the widget reflects the applications available to the current user based on workspace permissions.

### Initial Setup

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Navigate to the dashboard where you want to add the widget.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click **Add Widget** and select **Applications** from the dashboard widget catalog.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Save the widget to place it on the dashboard.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Use the widget to open an application directly from the dashboard.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Required Settings

* **None**: The widget works without any required setup fields.

### Optional Settings

* **None**: Display content is determined by available applications and user access.

{% hint style="info" %}
If an application is not visible in the widget, verify application assignment and team permissions in [Admin Guide: Applications](/admin-guide/applications.md).
{% endhint %}

## Readonly View

Dashboard widgets are designed for quick visibility and interaction in dashboard context.

### Display Features

* **Application list**: Shows available applications as selectable dashboard shortcuts.
* **Permission-aware visibility**: Displays only applications the current user is allowed to access.
* **Direct navigation**: Opening an application from the widget switches context without browsing the side menu.
* **Persistent access point**: Keeps high-value applications visible on dashboards used for recurring work.

### Interactive Features

* **Open application**: Click an item in the widget to navigate directly into that application.
* **Fast context switching**: Return to dashboard and open another application with minimal navigation steps.

{% hint style="info" %}
The widget is read-oriented and optimized for fast access. Manage application definitions and permissions in **Settings > Applications**.
{% endhint %}

## Edit View

The edit view is not supported for this widget.

## Best Practices

### Dashboard Design

* Place the Applications widget near the top-left area of dashboards used as daily home screens.
* Pair it with status or workload widgets so users can both monitor and act from one screen.
* Avoid overcrowding the dashboard; keep enough space for the application names to remain readable.

### Access and Governance

* Review team assignments regularly so the widget reflects the intended application scope.
* Archive or retire unused applications to reduce clutter in navigation-focused widgets.
* Use naming conventions for applications to make scanning and selection faster.