Perfect Keyboard Help File
 Copyright (c) Pitrinec Software, All Rights Reserved.		  













































Overview

Perfect Keyboard is a time-saving utility running under Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT operating systems. The program allows a user to create a file of frequently used phrases, paragraphs, e-mail addresses, macros, etc. and invoke them in any application just by typing a short abbreviation (text shortcut) or pressing a hot key (key shortcut). The Perfect Keyboard supports macro recording (keyboard and/or mouse events), has its own script commands allowing to insert time and date, activate a window, launch applications, manage files and directories, work with clipboard and more.

Use Perfect Keyboard for:

  1. Automatic text replacement - type text shortcut in any Windows 95/98 or NT application and Perfect Keyboard will immediately replace it with full, expanded text.
  2. E-mail correspondence improvement - write a set of templates and phrases you can quickly use when responding to clients questions, etc.
  3. Automatic forms filling.
  4. Launching applications, opening files - write macros that will start required applications or opening files just by pressing hot key .
  5. Automatic file management, backups - you can create macros that will automatically copy/move/delete required files and/or directories.
  6. Internet access - jump to a desired web page just by pressing hot key.
  7. Inserting pictures, tables and other data objects into your documents - using the new clipboard support the Perfect Keyboard is no more limited to handle just text data but can insert any data through the clipboard.

Tips how to save time using Perfect Keyboard:

Text replacement:

  • Are you typing your name, address, the same phrases, e-mail addresses, etc. several times a day again and again ? Create shortcuts (three or four characters long) for all this stuff and let Perfect Keyboard to expand the shortcuts you type to full text.
  • Are you often filling forms ? Create macros with default definition of all those forms you have to fill out (on-line or elsewhere), including date, time, etc.
  • Are you tired by selecting again and again appropriate file paths in Open and Save as.. dialog boxes ? You can create list of your mostly used directories and do not waste time searching or typing them again and again.
  • Are you a programmer ? Write shortcuts for your often used programming constructions and save time, avoid errors and unify your source code.

Macros:

  • Do you often repeat the same sequence of commands ? Record this sequence or manually create a macro that you can latter playback.
  • Do you sometimes need to delete particular unwanted files to make more room on your hard drive ? Create a macro that will delete all the files with given name or extension from the defined directories quickly.
  • Are you often copying/moving the same files from one location to another (when doing backup, for example) ? Create a macro that will do such boring things for you without any further effort.
  • Are you often accessing the same files and/or applications ? Write macros to open/start these files just on hot key.
  • Do you often copy/paste your mostly used pictures, logos, tables, templates from one document to another ? Create library of your mostly used objects and let Perfect Keyboard to insert them to target document.

Terminology:

  • Text shortcut - short text a user types to start associated macro.
  • Key shortcut - shortcut (like Ctrl+Alt+F) a user presses to start associated macro.
  • Macro - a sequence of keystrokes and/or commands. Macro can be either simple text that replaces text shortcut typed or a complex set of command performing desired task. The macro can be, of course, also any combination of a text and commands.
  • Shortcut item - user defined item that consists of macro and text shortcut and/or key shortcut.
  • Folder view - the left pane of the main Perfect Keyboard window with the tree.
  • Shortcut items view - the right pane of the main Perfect Keyboard window with the list of shortcut items.
  • Folder - folders allow to logically organize shortcut items. In folder properties, can be specified some options affecting each shortcut item in this folder.

Pro vers. Light

There are two versions of the Perfect Keyboard software: Professional and Light. The Light version is intended for users looking for basic text replacement and macro functionality while professional version provides additional very advanced features. There is a table with Pro and Lite features comparison:

Features: Lite Pro
Basic functionality X X
Text shortcut X X
Key shortcuts (for example, Ctrl+Alt+a) X X
Macro recording X X
Both keyboard and mouse events support X X
Unlimited number of shortcut items (macros) X X
Adding new item wizard X X
Date & time commands X X
Special keys support (for example, Print Screen key, etc.) X X
     
Additional macro recording options   X
More commands - Start application command, Files handling commands (copy/move/delete), Directories handling commands (copy/move/create/delete), Internet commands, Windows commands (activate/move/resize), Macro flow control commands (if, loop, variables, etc.)   X
Clipboard support!   X
"Formatted" or "Raw source text" macro editing   X
Sharing shortcut items among multiple users   X
Application (window) specific shortcuts   X
Batch mode   X

All the features available in the professional version only are marked (Pro) in this documentation.

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How to create new text replacement item

Let's say we want to create shortcut item that will replace "tus" shortcut by "the United States of America" text.

In the main menu, select "Insert/Item" menu item. In the dialog box shown, follow these steps:

  1. In the "Text shortcut" field specify the shortcut you want to use ("tus" in our example). Note that the text shortcut should be short and easy to remember.
  2. In the "Macro (text to expand)" field, specify the text that will replace the shortcut ("the United States of America" in our case).
  3. Press OK button.

Now start Notepad and type "tus" followed by space bar. The "tus" text typed is replaced by the "the United States of America" text.

For more shortcut item options see Item properties section.

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Create new macro

Let's say we want to create macro that will start Notepad.

In the main menu, select "Insert/Item" menu item. In the dialog box shown, follow these steps:

  1. In the "Key shortcut" field hit the keyboard keys you want to use (For example, Ctrl+Alt+N).
  2. Press "Add" button.
  3. In the menu shown select "Start application...".
  4. In the dialog box shown, specify "notepad.exe" and press OK button.
  5. Press OK button.

Now press the key shortcut (Ctrl+Alt+N) and the Notepad is started.

For more shortcut item options see Item properties section.

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Menu

File\

  • New - creates new Perfect Keyboard file.
  • Open - opens an existing Perfect Keyboard file.
  • Insert - inserts an existing Perfect Keyboard file to the currently opened file as a new folder.
  • Save - saves changes to the disk.
  • Save as - allows to save the currently opened file to a different location (floppy disk, another directory).
  • Export - exports file in text format. The exported file file can be used for printing the list of shortcuts defined.
  • Exit - exits Perfect Keyboard.

Edit\

  • Edit - opens property dialog box of selected folder or shortcut item.
  • Copy - copies selected item to clipboard.
  • Paste - pastes item from clipboard.
  • Delete - deletes selected item.
  • Find shortcut - displays list of all items defined.
  • Find text - shows dialog box for searching text over all the items defined.

View\

  • Toolbar - show/hide toolbar.

Insert\

  • Folder - inserts new folder (subfolder).
  • Item - inserts new item.

Tools\

  • Options - shows main settings dialog box.
  • Keyboard properties - shows keyboard properties dialog box.
  • Run shortcut - runs selected shortcut item (the same effect as double click on item's icon).
  • Create desktop shortcut (Pro) - creates shortcut to the selected item on the desktop. Double click on the desktop shortcut will run the shortcut.
  • Start macro recording - starts macro recording.
  • Stop macro recording - stops macro recording.
  • Save clipboard to file (Pro) - saves the content of the clipboard to a file. The file can be later used with <clpload> command to restore clipboard content.
  • Load clipboard from file (Pro) - restores the content of the clipboard from a file.
  • Test shortcut - a dialog box for testing shortcuts defined.

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Main Settings

In Perfect Keyboard menu, select "Tools/Options" to open main settings (options) dialog box.

  • Expand shortcut after pressing - select a keyboard key that must be pressed to start macro after a text shortcut is typed (default is space bar).
  • Shortcut keys:
    · Find item - when the shortcut key is pressed, the window with list of all macros defined is shown. This can be used when a user cannot remember particular text shortcut (or shortcut key).
    · Activate/deactivate - when pressed, the Perfect Keyboard is activated/deactivated. Deactivated Perfect Keyboard ignores all text shortcut typed or key shortcut pressed.
    · Start/stop macro recording - when pressed, the macro recording is started/stopped.
    · Show/hide Perfect Keyboard - when pressed, the Perfect Keyboard is hidden (so that only Perfect Keyboard icon is presented in tray area of the TaskBar) or shown.
  • Play sound when expanding shortcut - plays specified sound when shortcut expanding (macro playback) is started.
  • Send macro keystrokes fast - if checked, macro keystrokes are send as fast as possible.  This may cause problems on slower machines and within processor hungry applications.  This option can be controled "programmatically" using <faston> and <fastoff> commands (see keys & commands section).  Regardless on the option is checked or unchecled you can still speed up or slow down desired macros using <faston> and <fastoff> commands.
  • Save settings on exit - if checked, some settings (folder expanded/collapsed state, for example) is saved on program exit.
  • Show reminders - if checked, message window with tips and helps is appearing in particular moments (when macro recording is finished, for example).
  • Allow shared items (Pro) - if checked, allows to use shared items saved in the specified file. How to create and maintain shared items file see "Data Sharing" chapter in this help file.

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Shortcut Item Settings

To pop up the shortcut item property sheet double click on the item's text in the shortcut item view or press 'Enter' key. (Note that double click on the icon or pressing space bar will cause the macro is started.)

General:

  • Text shortcut - text shortcut. If text shortcut is not required then leave it empty. The text shortcut (if specified) must be unique.
  • Key shortcut - key shortcut (like Ctrl+Alt+F). If key shortcut is not required then leave it empty. To delete already specified key shortcut press space bar.
  • ? - Shows list of all shortcut items defined (in all folders).
  • Macro (text to expand) - macro definition. Consists of combination of text and commands.
  • Raw source text + Formatted - switches between raw source text and formatted macro view. Commands are formatted to rows in formatted view - each command has its own row.
  • |< << >> >| - navigation in macro source text. This commands highlight first, previous, next or last command.
  • Insert recorded macro - inserts a macro recorded in the memory to "Macro" field.
  • Up, down - moves command up or down in formatted view (changes order of commands).
  • Copy - copies currently selected command (row) to the end of the macro.
  • Delete - deletes currently selected row (command).
  • Remove multiple commands - removes timing or mouse move commands from the macro recorded.
  • Insert recorded macro - inserts macro recorded to the memory (Tools/Start macro recording).
  • Insert - inserts command to the current position.
  • Add - adds command to the end of the macro.
  • Edit - visually edits selected command.

Options:

  • Auto-expand - when checked, user doesn't have to press space bar (or other key specified in Options dialog box) to invoke macro playback but the macro is started immediately when text shortcut is typed.
  • Can be part of a word - when checked, the text shortcut doesn't have to start as a new word but can be part of the previous word. For example, if "sct" is a text shortcut and a user writes "startsct" an presses space bar the shortcut is expanded.
  • Pass text through clipboard - if checked, the macro text is paste to target application through clipboard (instead of simulating keystrokes). It is usually much faster, especially for longer texts. This option cannot be used if macro contains commands.

Playback:

  • Playback macro- specifies the speed of macro playback. Applies on macros previously recorded by Perfect Keyboard recording feature.
  • Repeat macro - specifies how many times the macro is to be repeated.

Description:

  • Description - any text to describe macro purpose, functionality, comments, etc.

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Folder Settings

To pop up the folder property sheet double click on the folder's text in the folder view or press 'Enter' key.

  • General - specify the folder label and description of items collected in this folder here.
  • Applications (Pro) - allows to specify a set of applications the shortcut items only work or only don't work.
    "Work in all applications" - the shortcut (both text and key) work in all applications.
    "Work in application listed below only" - the shortcut (both text and key) work only in applications listed. In the application fields fill the application's window title (doesn't have to be exact window title).
    "Do not work only in application listed below" - the shortcut (both text and key) do not work only in applications listed. In the application fields fill the application's window title (doesn't have to be exact window title).
  • Advanced - specify fonts to be used in shortcut item property sheet in text shortcut, description and macro field.

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Commands & Keys

Note 1: the commands with Pro sign are available in professional version only.
Note 2: the parameters beginning and ending _ (for example, _param_) can be either constant string or variable.

Keys
<back>
Back space
 
<enter>
Enter
 
<shift>
Shift key; the first occurrence specifies the Shift key is pressed (down) and the next occurrence specifies the key is released (up).
 
<ctrl>
Control key; the first occurrence specifies the Control key is pressed (down) and the next occurrence specifies the key is released (up).
 
<alt>
Alt key; the first occurrence specifies the Alt key is pressed (down) and the next occurrence specifies the key is released (up).
 
<capslock>
Caps Lock
 
<esc>
Escape
 
<pgup>
Page up
 
<pgdn>
Page down
 
<end>
End
 
<home>
Home
 
<left>
Left arrow
 
<up>
Up arrow
 
<down>
Down arrow
 
<right>
Right arrow
 
<insert>
Insert
 
<delete>
Delete
 
<tab>
Tab
 
<F1> ... <F12>
F1 to F12 keys
 
<break>
Pause (break)
 
<clear>
Clear
 
<select>
Select key
 
<execkey>
Execute key
 
<lwinkey>
Left Windows key (MS Natural keyboard)
 
<rwinkey>
Right Windows key (MS Natural keyboard)
 
<appskey>
Applications key (MS Natural keyboard)
 
<scroll>
Scroll lock
 
<numlock>
Num lock
 
<numpad0> ... <numpad9>
Numpad 0 to 9 keys
 
<numpad+>
+ key on numpad
 
<numpad*>
* key on numpad
 
<numpad->
- key on numpad
 
<numpad/>
/ key on numpad
 
<numpad.>
. key on numpad
 
<printscreen>
Print Screen key
 
 
Commands
Navigate to:
<#>
Comment; all the text (including new line) after <#> is a comment; the new line character before <#> is ignored when macro is expanded
 
<date>
"Date" command allows to insert date in many of formats available. Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.
 
<td:d>(num)
The day of the current date; num parameter specifies the date shift (-1 shifts date one day back - yesterday, +1 shifts date one day ahead - tomorrow).
 
<td:m>(num)
The month of the current date
 
<td:dlz>(num)
The day (with leading zero) of the current date
 
<td:mlz>(num)
The month (with leading zero) of the current date
 
<td:y>(num)
The year of the current date
 
<time>
"Time" command allows to insert time in many of formats available. Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.
<ct:h24>(num)
The hour (24 hours based) of the current time; num parameter specifies time shift (in minutes)
 
<ct:h12>(num)
The hour (12 hours based) of the current time
 
<ct:m>(num)
The minute of the current time
 
<ct:h24lz>(num)
The hour (24 hours based; with leading zero) of the current time
 
<ct:h12lz>(num)
The hour (12 hours based; with leading zero) of the current time
 
<ct:mlz>(num)
The minute (with leading zero) of the current time
 
<ct:ampm>(num)
am/pm
 
<ct:AMPM>(num)
AM/PM
 
 
<w50>
Wait 50 ms
 
<w100>
Wait 100 ms
 
<w500>
Wait 500 ms
 
<wx>(num)
Wait "num" ms.
"num" is a numeric string.
<dnds>
Do not delete shortcut. The text shortcut typed by a user (for example ".ff") is deleted before macro is started. This macro causes the text shortcut typed is not deleted.
 
<pause>
Wait for user keyboard input. When a user presses 'Enter' key the macro continues.  [Pro]
 
 
<mm>(x,y)
Mouse move to x,y position.
 
<mlbd>
Mouse left button down.
<mlbu>
Mouse left button up.
<mrbd>
Mouse right button down.
<mrbu>
Mouse right button up.
<mmbd>
Mouse middle button down.
<mmbu>
Mouse middle button up.
 
<faston>
Turns ON "Send macro keystrokes fast" option.  This causes that all the macro keys are send as fast as possible.
 
<fastoff>
Turns OFF "Send macro keystrokes fast" option.  This causes that there is a very short wait time between macro keys send.  This ensures that macro is played correctly even on slower machines or processor hungry applications.  The macro playback is slower.
 
 
<execapp>("_app_",mode)
"Start application" command. Executes (starts, launches) application.   "_app_" can be full path to an application or a variable containing full path to an application.   "mode" detrmines in what mode application is to be started.  It is numeric string with this meaning:
0 - normal
1 - maximized
2 - minimized
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<run>("_mac_")
"Run macro" command. This command allows to embed macros.  "_mac_" is text shortcut of the macro to run (execute) or a variable containing text shortcut of a macro.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<beep>("_soundfile_",repeat)
"Play sound" command. Plays sound specified by a wav file.   "_soundfile_" is path to the file to play or a variable containing such path.  "repeat" is a numeric string telling how many times the sound is to be repeated.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<actwin>("_win_",match,state,"_mac_")
"Activate window" command. Activates specified window or runs another macro if window is not found. "_win_" is title of a window to activate or a variable containing such title.   "match" is window title matching:
0 - substring
1 - exact
"state" is a state in which the window is to be activated:
0 - normal
1 - minimized
2 - maximized
3 - unchanged
"_mac_" is text shortcut of the macro to run if given window doesn't exist or a variable containing such text shortcut.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<winmove>("_win_",x,y)
"Move window" command. Moves specified window to desired position. "_win_" is title of a window to activate or a variable containing such title. "x" is a numeric string with X window coordinate and "y" is a numeric string with Y window coordinate.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<winresize>("_win_",width,height)
"Resize window" command. Resizes specified window to desired size. "_win_" is title of a window to activate or a variable containing such title. "width" is a numeric string with the new window width and "height" is a numeric string with the new window height.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<msg>(x,y,"_msg_","_title_",OKbutton)
"Open message box" command. Shows message window. "x" and "y" are numeric strings with message window position. "_msg_" is message text or a variable with such text. "_title_" is message box title text or a variable with such text.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<msgoff>
"Close message box" command.  [Pro]
 
<listbox>("_title_","_s1_","_d1_","_s2_","_d2_",...)
"List box" command. Shows list box window with selection of next possible actions. This command allows a user to choose next action.
"_title_" is list box title text or a variable with such text. "_s1_", "_s2_", etc. are text shortcuts of existing macros or variables with such meaning. "_d1_","_d2_", etc. are descriptions of each macro or variables with such meaning.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<extmacro>("_macfile_",throughClipboard)
"Run external macro" command. This command allows user to run a macro defined in external text file. This command can be used for handling very large texts. "_macfile_" is path to a text file containing macro or a variable with such path.  "throughClipboard" specifies whether the macro is to be passed through clipboard (1) or not (0).  Clipboard can be used only if the macro is just plain text.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<begloop>("numOfLoops")
"Begin loop" command. Allows to repeat the part of the macro specified between <begloop> and <endloop> statements.   "numOfLoops" defines the number of loops and the meaning is this:
1 or more - actual number of loops
0 - user specifies in runtime
-1 - each loop is confirmed by user
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<endloop>
"End loop" command. Each <begloop> must be followed by associated <endloop>. See <begloop>.  [Pro]
 
<varset>("var=val","msg")
"Set variable" command. The command allows to define variable that can be later used with other commands.
There are some build-in variables that can be used without necessity to define them:
_vActiveWindow - contains caption of the curently active window.
_vLoopCounter - loop counter available while macro executes between <begloop> and <endloop> commands.
"var" is variable name.
"val" is a value (string) assigned to variable.  If "val" is empty string ("var=") then value is defined by user during macro execution. If value is "YES/NO" then dialog box with YES and NO buttons is shown during macro execution.  Depending on what button the user choose the variable value is either YES or NO. 
To predefine selection of possible values a user can select from  (for example, white, red and blue) use this syntax:
"var=white|red|blue"
Note that possible values are divided by | character.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<varchng>("_variable_","operation","_operand_")
"Change variable value" command modifies variable value. "_variable_" is the variable.  Value of the variable will be modified the way depending on "operation".   "operation" can be one of the following:
"A" - append string.  "_operator_" string is to be appended to the variable string (value).  "_operand_" can be either variable or constant string.
"L" - left substring. Left part of the "_variable_" string  is to be extracted.  The number of the characters extracted is given by "_operator_".  "_operand_" can be either vraiable or a number.
"R" - right substring. Right part of the "_variable_" string  is to be extracted.  The number of the characters extracted is given by "_operator_".  "_operand_" can be either vraiable or a number.
"UC" - convert to upper case. The "_variable_" string   is converted to upper case.
"LC" - convert to lower case. The "_variable_" string   is converted to lower case.
"LNT" - string length. The length of the "_variable_" string  is assigned to "_variable_".
"+" - "_variable_" = "_variable_" + "_operand_".
"-" - "_variable_" = "_variable_" - "_operand_".
"*" - "_variable_" = "_variable_" * "_operand_".
"/" - "_variable_" = "_variable_" / "_operand_".
"SF" - select file.  'Select file' dialog is shown and user is prompted to select a file.  The full path of the file selected is saved to "_variable_".  The initial path and file types (for example, c:\docs\*.doc) must be saved in "_variable_" before  this function is called.
"SD" - select directory (folder).  'Browse for folder' dialog is shown and user is prompted to select a folder.  The full path of the folder selected is saved to "_variable_".  The initial path (for example, c:\docs) must be saved in "_variable_" before  this function is called.

Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<varout>("_var_",throughClipboard)
"Print variable" command. The command prints the variable value.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<if>("_var_ compare_operator "_string_")
"If" command. The command allows to control macro flow. The <if> command compares (==, != or ~=) variable value with a constant string.   "compare_operator" can be:
==  means "is equal"
!=   means "is not equal"
~=  means "contains string" and is not case sensitive.  For example, "String" contains "str" and the ~= operation is true.
"_string_" is either a text string or a variable.

Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]

 
<else>()
"Else" command. Specifies part of macro that will be performed if the <if> command does not succeed.   [Pro]
 
<endif>()
"Endif" command. Specifies the end of the part of macro conditioned by <if> command.   [Pro]
 
<fileopen>("_file_",state)
"File open " command opens specified file. "_file_" is full path to the file to open or a variable with such path.   "state" has this meaning:
0 - normal
1 - maximized
2 - minimized
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<filecreate>("_file_",0)
"File create" command creates specified file. "_file_" is full path to the file to create or a variable with such path.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<filecopy>("_source_","_destination_",subdir,0)
"File copy" command copies specified file(s). The command can be used to copy multiple files using wildcard characters (*?).
"_source_" is a full path of the file(s) to be copied or a variable with such a path. "_destination_" is a destination file or directory or a variable with this meaning.  "subdir" is 1 if also subdirectories should be copied otherwise it is 0.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<filemove>("_source_","_destination_",subdir,0)
"File move" command moves specified file(s) to desired location. The command can be used to move multiple files using wildcard characters (*?).
"_source_" is a full path of the file(s) to be copied or a variable with such a path. "_destination_" is a destination file or directory or a variable with this meaning.  "subdir" is 1 if also subdirectories should be copied otherwise it is 0.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<filedel>("_file_",subdir,0)
"File delete" command deletes specified file(s). The command can be used to delete multiple files using wildcard characters (*?).
"_file_" is a full path of the file(s) to be deleted or a variable with such a path.  "subdir" is 1 if also subdirectories should be deleted otherwise it is 0.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<diropen>("_dir_,state)
"Directory open" command opens Explorer showing specified directory.
"_dir_" is a full path to the directory to be open or a variable with such a path.  "state" has this meaning:
0 - normal
1 - maximized
2 - minimized
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<dircopy>("_source_","_destination_",0,0)
"Directory copy" command copies specified directory (including subdirectories) to desired location.
"_source_" is a full path to the directory to be copied or a variable with such a path. "_destination_" is a full path to the destination folder or a variable with such path.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<dirmove>("_source_","_destination_",0,0)
"Directory move" command moves specified directory (including subdirectories) to desired location.
"_source_" is a full path to the directory to be moved or a variable with such a path. "_destination_" is a full path to the destination folder or a variable with such path.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<dirdel>("_dir_",0)
"Directory delete" command deletes specified directory.   If the directory is not empty all the subdirectories and files are deleted.
"_dir_" is full path to the directory to be deleted or a variable with such path.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<dircreate>("_dir_",0)
"Directory create" command creates specified directory.   When creating directory the one-level-up directory must already exist otherwise this function fails.  For example, if directory "c:\docs" already exists you can use <dircreate>("c:\docs\design",0) successfuly.  But if directory "c:\docs" doesn't exist yet <dircreate>("c:\docs\design",0) call will fail.  To create whole new directory structure make several <dircreate> calls.
"_dir_" is full path to the directory to be deleted or a variable with such path.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<wwwopen>("_url_",state)
"Open www page" command opens desired web page within the default web browser.
"_url_" is a complete URL with http:// or ftp:// prefix or a variable with such URL. "state" has this meaning:
0 - normal
1 - maximized
2 - minimized
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<email>("_address_",state)
"Send e-mail" command opens new mail form using default e-mail client.
"_adddress_" is an e-mail address (for example, john@mail.net) or a variable with such address. "state" has this meaning:
0 - normal
1 - maximized
2 - minimized
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
<clpsave>("_file_")
"Save clipboard content to file" command allows to save clipboard content to a specified file (.clx). This file can be later used to restore clipboard content calling <clpload> command.
"_file_" is a full path to the file storing clipboard data or a variale with such path.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<clpload>("_file_")
"Load clipboard content from file" command allows to restore clipboard content from file previously created by <clpsave> command or by "Tools\Save clipboard to file" menu item.
"_file_" is a full path to the file storing clipboard data or a variale with such path.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.  [Pro]
 
<clppastetext>("_text_")
"Paste text" command allows to insert text using clipboard.
"_text_" is the text to be pasted to target application or a variable with such text.
Use "Insert", "Add" and "Edit" buttons to add and edit the command.
 

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Macro Recording

The Perfect Keyboard allows you to record the sequence of keyboard or/and mouse events. To start macro recording select "Tools/Start macro recording" from main Perfect Keyboard menu or "Start macro recording" from the tray icon menu. In the dialog shown specify all the macro recording options and press OK. (Pro: Note that there are more options in the Perfect Keyboard Pro).

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Clipboard support

The Perfect Keyboard text replacement functionality is no more limited to text! With new clipboard support it is now possible to replace text shortcut by clipboard content previously saved to a file using <clpsave> command or by "Tools\Save clipboard to file" menu item. Using new Perfect Keyboard clipboard support it is possible to insert pictures, tables, rich text or other objects.
To use clipboard data do this:

  1. Copy some data (object) to clipboard.
  2. Click "Tools\Save clipboard to file" menu item.
  3. Specify the file name you want to save clipboard data to.
  4. Create new item.
  5. In the new item property dialog box click "Add" button.
  6. In the menu shown select "Clipboard\Load clipboard content from file".
  7. In the dialog box shown specify the file you previously saved the clipboard content to (point #3) and press OK.
  8. Click "Add" button again.
  9. From the menu shown select "Clipboard\Copy".

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Data Sharing (Pro)

Network users can share items over the LAN network. Shared shortcut items are saved in a special file that has to be located on a network drive (directory) all user can access. Each user wanting to have access to shared shortcut items has to specify the path to the shared items file in the "Options" dialog.

Shared shortcut items file editing

To create a shared shortcut items file create a new file selecting "File/New" menu item. Name the new file so that the name is different than any other Perfect Keyboard file name users use (for example, "SharedItemsFile"). Edit the file (create folders and shortcut items) and save it on shared network drive on the network. When the shared shortcut items file is created all the users (with "Allow shared items" enabled in the "Options" dialog) will see "Shared Items" folder in their folder view.

Note the shared items can be edited only when shared items file is directly opened in the Perfect Keyboard. This means that if a user (administrator) wants to make changes to shared items he has to open shared shortcut items file in the Perfect Keyboard by selecting the file in file open dialog (File/Open).

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Batch Mode (Pro)

The Perfect Keyboard can run also in a "batch mode". If the Perfect Keyboard is started with parameter specifying the text shortcut of the macro to perform and parameter specifying the file of the macro then the Perfect Keyboard just performs the macro and exits.

Syntax:

C:\Program Files\Perfect Keyboard\pk32.exe -run:text_shortcut File_path

For example:

C:\Program Files\Perfect Keyboard\pk32.exe -run:.rn C:\Program Files\Perfect Keyboard\samples.pkd

This feature allows to integrate the Perfect Keyboard program with other applications (especially launchers). An application, for example MS Office toolbar or Perfect Screens, can be used just as a user interface to Perfect Keyboard macros functionality. The result of such integration is a very powerful and easy to use tool.

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Support

Support is provided on pitrinec@kagi.com and is FREE for all the registered users as well as for all the users in evaluation period.

When reporting bugs or problems please include:

  • Your name:
  • Registration number:
  • Operating system (Win95/98/NT):
  • PC configuration (Processor, RAM):
  • Problem description:

Please, keep in mind that more information you provide us about your problem give us better chance to find a solution.

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License Agreement

Upon your acceptance of this Agreement, Pitrinec Software (Author) grants to you a nonexclusive license to use the Perfect Keyboard software (Software).

1.Use of the Software.

The Software has been released for distribution as a SHAREWARE and may be distributed at no cost.

You are granted a license to try the Software for 30 days. After this time, the Software must be registered or removed from the system.

You may install the Software on a hard disk or other storage device; install and use the Software on a file server for use on a network for the purposes of (i) permanent installation onto hard disks or other storage devices or (ii) use of the Software over such network; and make backup copies of the Software.

2.Restrictions.

Unregistered use of the Software after the 30-day evaluation period is in violation of international copyright laws.

You are not allowed to modify, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble or otherwise attempt to discover the source code of the Software.

The number of the (licensed) Software instances running at the same time may not exceed the number of licenses purchased.

You are not allowed to redistribute or provide to 3rd party already registered versions of the Software as well as you may not publish the registration number(s) that unlock the Software.

The Software can be distributed only as the package provided by the Author. This package cannot be change in any way without written Author's permission.

3.No Warranty.

ALL WARRANTIES ARE DISCLAIMED, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IN THIS SOFTWARE. THE ENTIRE RISK OF THE USE OR THE RESULT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE REMAINS WITH THE USER.

Unpublished-rights reserved under international copyright laws.

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Price List

As stated in "License agreement" part of this document, the Perfect Keyboard is a shareware program and must be registered if a user decides to keep it. There are several ways how to register it.  User can either use on-line registration or send registration form via e-mail or snail mail (in such a case there is a Register.exe program provided with the package allowing user to generate registration form). User can choose among several payment methods including credit cards, cash, money order, etc. 

Professional version (Perfect Keyboard '99 Pro):

License: Price (US $):
Upgrade from version 1.x 5.00
1 User (copy) 29.00
5 Users (copies) 99.00
10 Users (copies) 149.00
25 Users (copies) 299.00
50 Users (copies) 449.00
* Site license  790.00
** World-wide license 2290.00
* Site license (educational organizations) 290.00
** World-wide license (educational organizations) 490.00

Lite version (Perfect Keyboard '99 Lite):

License: Price (US $):
Upgrade from version 1.x 5.00
1 User (copy) 19.00
5 Users (copies) 65.00
10 Users (copies) 99.00
25 Users (copies) 199.00
50 Users (copies) 299.00
* Site license  520.00
** World-wide license 1500.00
* Site license (educational organizations) 190.00
** World-wide license (educational organizations) 329.00

* Site license is for unlimited number of users at one organization, and within a radius of 100 miles (160 km) from one central location. 
** An organization that has offices further than that and wants to use the product in these distant locations, should buy a world-wide license 

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