# Open URL

The Open URL Action Node can be used to

* Opening external URLs / links
* Opening another App / internal URL
* Downloading files

### Open external URLs / links

Apply the URL in setting **URL**. Optionally, you may add parameters to the URL using the **Query Parameters**. Normally, you would also tick the option **Open in new window** when opening external URLs.

### Open another App

In this case, you may refer to the App URL without a full hostname in the URL. For example, when opening another app with a readable ID `company-administration`, you may simply set the **URL** setting to `/company-administration`. The normal case for such navigation is to open in the same window, in other words, do **not** tick the **Open in new window**.

### Download files

In this case, you have a Data Source containing a file (document or image) you want to download. All File Object Classes in Appfarm have a built-in property **File Content**. As you may have noticed, the **Data Type** of this property is an **Internet URL**. In the Open URL action node, you may simply data-bind to **File Content** property of your Data Source to the **URL** setting. You would typically tick the **Open in new window**, but in most browsers, it will just download the file regardless of this setting.

### Login with custom authentication

Open URL may also be used when you want to log in with an external identify provider. Having a [Custom Auth Provider](/reference/configuration/login/custom-auth-providers.md) added in Appfarm Create, and you may use the URL found in the blue dot of the Hide Login Button setting. This is explained [here](/reference/configuration/login.md#custom-auth).


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