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File Open Action

The File Open Action node opens a file using the default application associated with its file type on the operating system.

The node triggers the operating system to open the specified file. The OS then launches the application registered for that file extension and runs it as the parent process.

Because the behavior relies on the operating system’s file associations, the node can be used with many different applications.

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Input Parameters

File Path Full path to the file to be opened, including filename and extension.

File Open Action

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Behavior

  • Starts the application associated with the file type

  • Executes on the host running the stream (client or server)

  • Does not interact directly with the application itself

  • Only triggers the operating system to open the file

  • Supports asynchronous execution

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Typical Use Cases

  • opening project files (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition)

  • launching review documents

  • opening scripts, reports, or log files

  • triggering external tools via associated file types

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Important Notes

  • The correct application must already be installed on the executing host

  • The file extension must be properly associated with an application in the OS

  • The node does not verify that the application started successfully

  • No feedback from the opened application is returned to the stream

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Practical Note

This node does not “control” the application — it simply performs the same action as double-clicking a file in the operating system’s file explorer.

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