ShortKeys 98 is a text-insertion tool that allows you to add predefined
boilerplate text into any text-processor and word-processor file. Each "unit" of
text to be inserted is represented by a user-defined text code. ShortKeys 98 posts a list
of all saved codes and their corresponding text units in a single viewer window. Up to
3,000 characters can be saved in each ShortKeys unit, and you may store up to 1,000
ShortKeys units. Whenever you're working on a file, just place the cursor where the
insertion is wanted, enter the text code, and the text insertion is complete. The code is
overwritten automatically. For command lines and to ensure your text codes never match
real words in your text, you can select special prefix or suffix characters to the code.
When active, ShortKeys 98 minimizes to the system tray and waits in the background until
you invoke any ShortKeys code --there's no need to bring up an invasive menu or window
with each maneuver. If you're concerned about memory usage, there's a low memory option,
allowing ShortKeys text to be retrieved from the hard drive file rather than being
pre-loaded into RAM. (This is a good choice if you have less than 64K of RAM or have lots
of large text units in ShortKeys.)
Another interesting option is Solitary vs Non-Solitary code usage. Most times, you just
want the code to initiate an specific insertion, but not be inserted itself -- so you'd
pick some arcane thing not likely to look like a real word. But, there may be occasions
where the code you've chosen is a letter combination you want recognized even if it's
embedded in other words on the target document (like a global replace function), so you'd
choose Non-Solitary usage. Either way, ShortKeys 98 is very handy used for letter
salutations and closings, taglines, form replies, letterheads, web and email addresses,
frequently used legal, medical, or other professional paragraphs used in everyday memos or
reports. Whatever your need is.
Thankfully, ShortKeys 98 doesn't take a programmer or rocket scientist to set up, and it
seems geared toward getting you up to speed fast. Any more options, and maybe this program
would be less nimble. From installation to defining, say, 5 ShortKeys units, it'd take you
10 minutes, tops. (Oh, and yes, you can add text from the clipboard.) But if you're the
leisurely type, there's a good Help file to get you acquainted, and there's support for
registered users at the product web site.
The freeware version, ShortKeys 98 Lite, has the above features, except: no network
support, no command line parameters, and there's a maximum storage of 25 ShortKeys units.
The shareware version, ShortKeys 98, is free to try for 30 days, fully functional, with a
nag screen on shutdown.