Generate bookmark URLs ('Switchboard Links')

Users with system or database Admin privileges can construct a bookmark URL (also referred to as a "switchboard link") from the Admin > General page in MI:Viewer.

This is a URL which will open MI:Viewer with a specific database and profile selected, and, optionally, with a specific set of user and database preferences, and search settings. Bookmark URLs can be included database, profile, and application (system) home pages.

To generate a bookmark URL

  1. Set up the required environment for the user who will use this URL:
    1. In the Contents pane, select a profile or database and subset.
    2. If required, choose the layout you want to use for each table.
    3. If required, click Settings and set any specific database, application, or Search and Optimization Options.
    4. Select Read mode or Edit mode.
  2. On the MI:Viewer toolbar, click Admin.
  3. On the General tab under Utilities, click Switchboard.
  4. On the Switchboard page, select which of your current settings you want to specify in the URL. The URL at the top of the page changes as you select and deselect options:
    1. Include your current User Preferences includes your current settings for Application Options, Search and Optimization Options, Show empty items, and Read mode/Edit mode. Note that if you choose this option, your current settings will override the user’s settings when they follow the link.
    2. Include your Database Preferences includes your current database settings for subsets and layouts, and the unit system and quality system options.
    3. Link to current search includes your most recently-performed search in the URL. When this option is selected, MI:Viewer will open on the Search page with the saved search criteria pre-loaded and the search ready to run.
    4. Run the search after loading includes your most recently-performed search in the URL and automatically runs it when the MI:Viewer opens. When this option is selected, the user will see the search results displayed when MI:Viewer opens after clicking the link.
  5. Copy the URL at the top of the Switchboard page and save it; this can be used create a Bookmark or Favorite in a browser, or added to a database, profile, or application home page.

Note that links that are specific to the database with which they were made include the database key in the URL, for example, index.aspx?dbKey=MI_Training... If the database key is subsequently changed, links to the database will no longer work unless they are updated to use the new key.