# App Shortcuts

Essential Kit's App Shortcuts feature lets Unity teams add dynamic shortcuts to the app icon without maintaining platform-specific code. This tutorial walks you through setup, key APIs, testing, and troubleshooting so you can add quick-access shortcuts with confidence.

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Using PlayMaker? See the PlayMaker guide: [PlayMaker](/features/app-shortcuts/playmaker.md).
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Looking for a working reference? Open the demo scene at `Assets/Plugins/VoxelBusters/EssentialKit/Examples/Scenes/AppShortcutsDemo.unity` and the companion script at `Assets/Plugins/VoxelBusters/EssentialKit/Examples/Scripts/AppShortcutsDemo.cs` to see the full API in action.
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## What You'll Learn

* Create dynamic shortcuts that appear when users long-press your app icon
* Handle shortcut taps to deep-link users directly into specific game features
* Manage shortcut lifecycle by adding and removing shortcuts based on player progress

## Why App Shortcuts Matter

* **Boost Engagement**: Surface daily rewards, challenges, or unfinished levels right from the home screen
* **Improve Retention**: Let players jump directly into multiplayer lobbies or continue their last game session
* **Enhance Discovery**: Showcase premium features or limited-time events with prominent shortcuts

## Tutorial Roadmap

1. [Setup](/features/app-shortcuts/setup.md) – Enable the feature and configure shortcut icons.
2. [Usage](/features/app-shortcuts/usage.md) – Add shortcuts, handle clicks, and manage lifecycle.
3. [Testing](https://github.com/voxelbusters/essential-kit-docs/blob/master/tutorials/v3/features/app-shortcuts/testing.md) – Simulate in editor and verify on devices.
4. [FAQ](https://github.com/voxelbusters/essential-kit-docs/blob/master/tutorials/v3/features/app-shortcuts/faq.md) – Troubleshoot common issues.

## Key Use Cases

* **Daily Rewards**: Add a "Collect Daily Bonus" shortcut that appears after first login
* **Continue Playing**: Show "Resume Level X" shortcuts for players with active sessions
* **Quick Multiplayer**: Surface "Quick Match" or "Invite Friends" for social engagement
* **Event Promotions**: Highlight limited-time events or new content releases

## Prerequisites

* Unity project with Essential Kit v3 installed and App Shortcuts feature enabled in settings.
* iOS or Android target with proper icon assets configured in Essential Kit Settings.
* Test device to validate long-press shortcuts before release (simulator behavior may differ).

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[Setup](/features/app-shortcuts/setup.md)
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[Usage](/features/app-shortcuts/usage.md)
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{% content-ref url="<https://github.com/voxelbusters/essential-kit-docs/blob/master/tutorials/v3/features/app-shortcuts/faq.md>" %}
<https://github.com/voxelbusters/essential-kit-docs/blob/master/tutorials/v3/features/app-shortcuts/faq.md>
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