> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dash-pos.gitbook.io/dash-pos-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dash-pos.gitbook.io/dash-pos-docs/kds/using-the-kds.md).

# Using the KDS

Enabling the KDS changes how the Dash POS extension works on the register. Here's what's different.

{% columns %}
{% column %}

### KDS disabled

The app opens directly to the **Categories** page. You browse products, add modifiers, and items go straight to the Shopify POS cart. There's no ticket system — it's a simple add-and-checkout flow.
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

### KDS enabled

The app opens to a **Tickets** page instead of categories. You create a ticket, add items with modifiers, and then choose where to send them — to the cart, the kitchen, or both.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

## The Tickets Page

When KDS is enabled, this is the first screen you see after tapping the Dash POS tile. From here you can start a new ticket or view existing ones.

## Send to Cart vs Send to KDS

After adding items to a ticket, two buttons appear at the bottom of the screen:

* **Send to Cart** — sends items to the Shopify POS cart for checkout.
* **Send to KDS** — sends the order to the Kitchen Display System so the kitchen can start preparing.

You can use both. For example, send to KDS first so the kitchen gets started, then send to cart to process payment.

{% hint style="info" %}
Clear Ticket: To remove all items from the current ticket and start over, tap **Clear Ticket** at the bottom of the screen.
{% endhint %}