Review: ShortKeys

Posted on May 6, 2007 by
Categories: Productivity,Review,Software

Summary

ShortKeys, by Insight Software Solutions, is a Windows text replacement utility.

Overview

Manufacturer: Insight Software Solutions
Platform: Windows
Current Version: Windows: 2.1e

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Easy to set up
  • Easy to activate shortcuts
  • Can have multiple files for shortcuts for different applications
  • Can “time” commands to extend functionality
  • Inserts up to 3000 characters for one short cut
  • Can handle arrows, navigation keys (like home and end) and the control, shift and alt with other keys

Cons

  • Doesn’t handle switching between applications well
  • Doesn’t handle the Windows key

Why Did I Download/Buy This?

This program was recommended on a group I belong to. Now that I’ve used it for over a year, I don’t know how I got along without it. It takes all my routine typing and shortens it down to a few characters. At first I was using the free version, but I quickly discovered how much I could use it and bought the paid version, which allows me to have unlimited short cuts.

How Do I Use This?

A large part of my repetitive typing is done at work. Since I am a programmer, there are things that I consistently do repeatedly. I have shortcuts set up to put the text in for basic queries against databases or code headers, and it will leave the cursor where I need to type the specific information. At home, I use this to put in the codes for Agendus icons into my Bonsai notes, and to write out outlines for things I need consistent formatting (like this article!).

I also use it to handle routine data manipulation. While writing the Bonsai series for this blog, I was writing in Notestudio, then using the HTML to put the code into posting. Notestudio was putting fake anchor tags into the HTML, though, and throwing off the look of my text. So I wrote a quick little short key to remove the anchors.

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Comments (1)

 

  1. kunkel321 says:
    May 7, 2007 at 7:30 am

    I’ve also registered ShortKeys… Well worth the $30 in my oppinion. Note other pros:
    -has free ‘lite’ version.
    -if you have MS Office, you can import the Auto Correct file into ShortKeys. Thus ShK we correct your typos from ANY program.
    Con:
    -You have to use the “Suffix” activation method to do this, which limmits ShK’s usability to some extent.
    Last note–The same company also make a product called MacrosExpress. Sortof a ‘big brother’ to ShortKeys. It has a STEEP learning curve but is very powerful…. -steve