HelpMate has a tiny API so developers can directly open HelpMate from within their plugins, or for those using tools like Templater or Dataviewjs to do the same. # HelpMate global object HelpMate appends a global object to Obsidian named **helpMateAPI**. ## helpMateAPI.activateSidePane( optional url ) method This function has two features. If it is called without a URL, it will open the HelpMate sidepane. ```javascript helpMateAPI.activateSidePane() ``` To open a specific URL, pass in a URL as demonstrated in the following line of code: ```javascript helpMateAPI.activateSidePane("https://www.markdownguide.org/cheat-sheet/") ``` >[!info] The URl you pass to activateSidePane does not need to be registered in the settings for HelpMate. This means you can open any web site you want. In effect turning HelpMate into a light web browser. # Console Errors You will notice that HelpMate can generate many errors in the console. This is actually the embedded web controls, as these browser components have their own security limitations and send to the console issues with web sites. While annoying it is harmless.