# How to run a processing sketch even when the canvas is minimized
**URL:** https://discourse.processing.org/t/how-to-run-a-processing-sketch-even-when-the-canvas-is-minimized/1307
**Category:** Beginners
**Created:** [June 27, 2018, 12:11pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/how-to-run-a-processing-sketch-even-when-the-canvas-is-minimized/1307 "2018-06-27T12:11:07Z")
**Posts on this page:** 2
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@prasad](https://discourse.processing.org/u/prasad)
#### Post date: [June 27, 2018, 12:11pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/how-to-run-a-processing-sketch-even-when-the-canvas-is-minimized/1307/1 "2018-06-27T12:11:07Z")
First of all, Is running the sketch even after minimizing the canvas possible?
I am going to use the exported .exe version of the sketch once completed.
Problem I am facing is 2 part.
I am trying to make an image capture system to work with an image processing software.
Part 1 :
The image processing system is the primary thing, where i have to continuously work with the captured image.
and new images are to be captured frequently. I want the capturing system to work in the background without minimizing the primary image processing system. how to do this?
Part 2:
Is it possible to trigger the capturing sequence using an external (button/ switch) connected to a serial port/USB port without using arduino ?
if yes, how?
---
### Author:  [@josephh](https://discourse.processing.org/u/josephh)
#### Post date: [June 27, 2018, 1:11pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/how-to-run-a-processing-sketch-even-when-the-canvas-is-minimized/1307/2 "2018-06-27T13:11:33Z")
Why don’t you run your image processing system and the primary image processing system at the same time?