Shortcuts and URLs are reference item types. Reference item types are types that refer to another item. Shortcuts point to other Content Server items, while URLs point to Web addresses, usually located outside Content Server.

Working with Shortcuts

A common requirement is the ability to have exactly the same item in more than one place. Shortcuts are useful when you want to:

• provide access to an item in any number of places within the system without having to maintain multiple copies of the same item

• create pointers to an item that may be hard to find

A Shortcut always points to the most recent Version of an item. When the original item is modified or moved, all its Shortcuts are updated automatically. However, when the original item is deleted, any Shortcuts to it must be deleted manually. You can make a Shortcut to most item types in Content Server.

	Note: Shortcuts are subject to permissions. For example, you need the See Contents permission on the original item to be able to use a Shortcut.

When you make a Shortcut, you can provide a description of the Shortcut, modify its Categories and Attributes, and add the Shortcut to a different Container. For more information about adding items, see Working with General Items.

The Shortcut Functions Menu

The Functions menu of Shortcuts is divided into two submenus: Original and Shortcut.

• The Original submenu contains functions that you have permission to perform on the original item, the item to which the Shortcut points. The functions on the Original submenu do not affect the Shortcut.

• The Shortcut submenu contains functions that you have permission to perform on the Shortcut. The functions on the Shortcut submenu do not affect the original item.

Editing a Shortcut involves modifying the information on its Properties page. For more information, see Viewing and Modifying Item Properties. For specific information about editing information on the Categories tab of the Properties page, see Working With Categories and Attributes.

Working with URLs

URLs in Content Server are similar to Web browser favorites or bookmarks. Opening a URL in Content Server passes that Internet address to your Web browser, which then displays the Web page.

The following can be saved as URLs in Content Server:

• World Wide Web addresses

• FTP sites

• Email addresses

Although you can use a URL to link to another Content Server item, OpenText recommends that you use a Shortcut.

When you add a URL to Content Server, you can provide a description of the URL, modify its Categories and Attributes, and add the URL to a different container. For more information about Categories and Attributes, see Working With Categories and Attributes.

Editing a URL involves modifying the information on its Properties page. For more information, see Viewing and Modifying Item Properties. For more information about adding items, see Working with General Items.