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PhraseExpress Manual
PhraseExpress Manual
PhraseExpress Manual
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How do I
store a new phrase? insert a phrase into a document? edit a phrase? find a certain phrase? delete an unwanted phrase?
Additional functions
The phrase selection menu QuickSearch Floating desktop menus Hotkeys Autotext Restrict phrases to certain programs Restrict phrases to individual users Secure PhraseExpress against operating errors Text Prediction feature Clipboard Cache Last used phrases Spelling Correction Perform Calculations As-You-Type SmartSearch Using PhraseExpress in a Team
Macro functions
Overview How do I add time/date stamp to a phrase? link a phrase with another phrase? add manual text input to a phrase? create an input form? create a predefined email?
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create a conditional If-Then-Else phrase? launch an application? open a file folder? open a file? open a web page?
Miscellaneous
Expert Mode Program settings Program states Hotkeys used in PhraseExpress Disable PhraseExpress temporarily Register for Professional Use Remove license from PhraseExpress Launch PhraseExpress automatically with the Computer General Tips & Tricks Time Saving Calculations Changing the phrase file location Import/Export Data Data Backup Keep PhraseExpress Up-To-Date Command-Line Parameters Uninstall PhraseExpress Troubleshooting
Document Conventions
You are currently reading this manual in your web browser. Like in any webpage, you can jump between sections, set bookmarks or print this manual. The online version of the manual may contain newer information than any offline version. Bold, italic type in this documentation indicates either a procedure or menu item. Filenames are printed in italic letters. Text input is represented in courier script. Hotkeys are shown like this example: CTRL - A This symbol indicates a useful hint. Tips & Tricks are marked with this icon. These hints simplify the use of PhraseExpress by explaining procedures which you may not discover through simple use of the software. This symbol indicates very important notes.
Software Installation
Video Tutorial You can install PhraseExpress like most Windows software by following these easy steps: Download the program installation file from our webpage. Double-click the installation file "PhraseExpressSetup.exe".
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Follow the on-screen instructions. Register the installation if you are a professional user and have purchased a license key.
Additional information about remote installations can be found in the manual of the PhraseExpress Network Edition. PhraseExpress can optionally install a phrase file containing some usage examples and common spelling corrections. You can easily edit or delete the sample phrases if you do not need them. You can also download additional free add-ons from our website.
Important Note
Shut-down PhraseExpress before unplugging the USB stick in order to prevent data loss! Read the important notes when registering your license key for use on a USB device in chapter "Register PhraseExpress".
The phrase file must be located on the USB drive from which the program is running. You can enforce the portable mode by launching the PhraseExpress with the command-line parameter -portable.
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PhraseExpress appears in the lower right of the Windows system tray after launching the program:
This tray icon is your main hub. You can click it with the left to reach your phrases and the right mouse button to access settings and additional options. If you don't see this icon, make sure to configure the PhraseExpress task tray icon in the Windows configuration ( video tutorial).
PhraseExpress will save you from typing the same phrases over and over again: The Text Prediction feature will automatically begin to offer repetitive phrases for insertion after a short period. The Clipboard Cache provides quick access to previous clipboard contents. Spelling mistakes are automatically corrected in any program. PhraseExpress can insert the result of mathematical expressions while you type. Repetitive tasks can be automated with powerful powerful macro functions.
A dialog window allows you to enter additional information for the phrase:
The Description is used to identify the phrase in the phrase popup menu. The beginning of the phrase is used as the description by
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default. Hotkeys allow you to trigger phrases by pressing a keyboard combination (learn more). An Autotext is a text abbreviation which is replaced by the insertion of a longer text snippet. For example, defining the Autotext 'kr' would be suitable for the phrase 'Kind Regards' (learn more). Detection of hotkeys or Autotext can be restricted to certain programs or certain users. If the text is formatted or contains a web link or pictures, you can select any of the following formatting options: Formatting Benefits Efficient and memory resource friendly Support for all macro functions Unformatted text This is the recommended default setting. Limitations Phrases are stored without formatting information and without bitmaps.
Recommended for formatted text without bitmaps Exact reproduction of text formatting RTF ("Rich Text format") Recommended for MS Office or Outlook
This format preserves specific Microsoft Word formatting, dynamic place holders, pagination, embedded contents (such as Excel spread sheets), etc. Word format
Requires more file space No support of PhraseExpress related macro functions Works with Microsoft Word only.
Pro Edition
Web link
If the phrase consists of a URL only, PhraseExpress can open the website in your browser rather than pasting the URL as text.
Word-formatted text is only supported by the PhraseExpress Professional Edition. RTF formatting is not available in the Easy Edition. You can upgrade your license at http://upgrade.phraseexpress.com NEW HTML support has been replaced with the new enhanced RTF support.
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Click the PhraseExpress system tray icon with the right (!) mouse button and select Edit phrases. Alternatively, click the PhraseExpress tray icon while holding the SHIFT -key to open the last used phrase in the main program. A hotkey can be defined for this task under Tools Settings Hotkeys. You can also edit a phrase by right-clicking the item in the phrase selection popup menu or a floating menu. The left-hand tree view in the main program window allows you to review and manage your phrases and organize them in folders. You can move items within the tree structure by selecting them and clicking the up/down buttons or with drag & drop. Phrase folders allow you to categorize your phrases e.g. into different languages, products, departments or different tasks.
The icons in the first tree hierarchy level indicate phrase file types and illustrate the current status: Symbol Explanation Everything is fine - Phrases can be edited and Autotext and hotkeys are activated.
The phrase file is currently unavailable (offline) and PhraseExpress temporarily uses a locally cached copy of the original phrase file.
Autotext and hotkeys are temporarily disabled for this element. You can re-activate them in the context menu if you right-click the element.
Another user is currently editing the element and you can't edit it simultaneously. This status automatically changes when the other user finishes editing. Press F5 to update the status.
The phrase file is write-protected or you don't have editing permissions to the phrase file.
Click an item in the left tree view to edit it on the right side of the main program window. Multiple objects can be edited simultaneously by pressing and holding CTRL and/or SHIFT while selecting the desired objects. Right-click an item in the phrase tree view to access additional editing options such as duplicate, sort, find & replace, move or delete the selected object. Video demo You can import external files such bitmaps, text files or program executable by dragging them to the desired position in the phrase tree structure. Additional options are available in Expert Mode.
Phrase Settings
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A phrase consists of the following elements: The description represents the actual text phrase in the phrase popup window. It must not be empty. The actual phrase contents. You can instantly paste a text phrase or open a folder by pressing the Hotkey you define here (e.g. CTRL - SHIFT - A ). Whenever you type a sequence matching the specified Autotext , your input will be replaced with the text phrase.
Folder Settings
Select the desired folder in the tree view to display the folder options in the right window: Description: The description represents the folder in the phrase popup window. Hotkey for this folder : You can also define a Hotkey for folders. If you hit the Hotkey (e.g. CTRL - SHIFT - A ) you can define that the phrase folder contents open directly next to the mouse cursor. If your text input matches a specified Autotext, a popup window displaying the folder's contents will be opened directly next to the mouse cursor. You can then choose the desired phrase. The text field Information can be used for notes such as copyright information. Folder settings become the default for any new phrase created in that folder.
QuickSearch
Open the main program window and click the magnifying glass button below the tree view or press the hotkey CTRL - F to open the search input field. Click twice to get additional options. After you start typing the first characters of your query, PhraseExpress will show any findings in a flat list. Click any phrase in the list to edit this item. Double-click any item to switch back to the tree view.
Click into the search input field to switch back to the flat list view of found items. Hovering over a phrase in the result shows the full phrase folder path.
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The popup combines pre-defined text phrases and Auto-Complete suggestions generated by the text prediction feature in the menu. Specify a slightly different color for text prediction items may help you to easily distinguish them.
Specifying
How to select an item from the popup menu
The popup window allows you to select the desired phrase using any of the following methods: Click the desired phrase using your mouse. Use the Arrow Up / Arrow Down keys to navigate through the items. Press the Page Up - or Page Down -key to move to the top/bottom of the currently shown list of items in the popup menu (without scrolling). Press the Home - or End -key to move to the very first or very last item in the popup menu. When pressing the Arrow Right -key, PhraseExpress jumps straight to the first sub folder (if there is any). You can return to the previous folder level by pressing the Arrow Left -key. If you have configured a "Quick key", you can instantly select and insert a phrase by pressing the corresponding quick key. The selected phrase is then pasted into the target application with the confirmation hotkey TAB . You can change this confirmation hotkey in the settings (see chapter "Settings - Popup - Hotkeys"). Phrases are automatically filtered from the popup menu if they are restricted to certain programs. This means, that you only see phrases in the popup which are relevant to your current task. If you trigger a popup by a hotkey, you can drag around the popup menu by clicking on the separator line. You are then prompted whether you wish to display all future popup menus at the same position. The appearance of the popup menu and the Hotkeys can be customized in PhraseExpress (see chapter "Popup menu settings"). Close popup menus by pressing the ESC key or clicking outside the menu with the mouse.
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If you pressed the Arrow Up / Arrow Down -key at least one time, you can also trigger the phrase by pressing ENTER instead of the confirmation key. Click on a phrase while holding the CTRL -key to copy the phrase into to the Windows clipboard (instead pasting it into the target application). SHIFT -click to insert phrases without text formatting (if any). Right-click any element to get useful extra options. Right-click the separator line (between the "Create new phrase" command and your phrases) to get additional popup display options. Drag the edges of a popup menu to resize it.
Using Hotkeys
A Hotkey (or shortcut key, keyboard shortcut, key combo, etc.) is a set of keys associated with a certain phrase or folder. For example, hold down any of the ALT and/or SHIFT and/or CTRL "modifier" keys and then press and release a single other regular key, and lastly release the CTRL - , ALT -, SHIFT - key(s). This distinction is important because it is easy to miss some of the keys or cause an unwanted auto-repeat when trying to press all the keys simultaneously. In PhraseExpress, you can even use mouse buttons as a Hotkey. PhraseExpress can insert a phrase by pressing its associated Hotkey. E.g., your signature can be pasted if you press the Hotkey CTRL - ALT - S . This is useful but you would quickly run out of Hotkey as you assign more and more phrases to individual Hotkeys. That is, why PhraseExpress allows you to re-use the same Hotkey for multiple phrases.
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Alternatively, you can assign a Hotkey to a phrase folder that may contain multiple phrases. E.g. you could use the Hotkey CTRL - ALT - B for a phrase folder that contains phrases with information of all your bank accounts. If you enter such Hotkey, a popup-menu opens near the cursor where you can choose the desired phrase using the mouse or the Arrow Up / Arrow Down -keys of your keyboard (also see chapter "Popup menu"). Hotkeys defined in PhraseExpress can conflict with Hotkeys reserved by other programs. Avoid frequently used Hotkeys and rather use combinations with the CTRL - , ALT -, WIN -, SHIFT - key and a letter. Many Hotkeys are firmly reserved by Windows ( see list) and cannot be assigned in PhraseExpress. Especially, the WIN -key is almost exclusively reserved by the Windows OS and should not be used without a combination of additional modifier keys. If Hotkeys do not work, please see the chapter "trouble-shooting".
launch
Entering short keywords can launch applications. For instance, typing 'calc ' can launches the Windows calculator. If the Autotext feature does not work as expected, check out the chapter "trouble-shooting". If you experience unwanted text replacements, chapter "Unwanted text replacements" may help. If Autotext settings are grayed out, the Autotext feature may be disabled in the containing/parent folder or you have no editing permissions.
the
Execute immediately
Autotext will be is executed immediately after typing the last letter of the Autotext. Avoid this setting if the Autotext can be part of a word. E.g., if you would choose the Autotext "hav", it would unwantedly trigger a text replacement whenever you enter the regular words "have", "behave", etc.
PhraseExpress offers the phrase in a popup menu next to the cursor. You can then either accept the phrase by hitting the confirmation key or you can ignore the offer to insert by continuing to type.
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thatmust be entered before an Autotext (leading delimiter) is called Prefix. The character that The character which which must follow the Autotext (trailing delimiter) in order to trigger an action is called Postfix.
You can define the prefix and postfix separately for each phrase: Prefix/Postfix None (available for postfix only) Explanation There is no character required following the Autotext. An Autotext is recognized immediately after entering the last character of the Autotext.
Any
Default
The Autotext must follow/be followed by the default characters as defined as "default leading/trailing delimiters" (as defined in the expert options).
Enter
Space
Tab
Letter
Number
Custom
If you select this option, an input dialog allows you to define a custom set of delimiters. Do not separate the characters with any other characters. Simply enter them one after another without any separator. Any separator, such as a comma or space, would itself be interpreted as a delimiter. You cannot enter the ENTER - or Tab -key here. Instead use #13 for ENTER and #9 for the TAB -key.
Incremental Autotext has no particular postfix that would trigger a phrase. If Incremental Autotext is selected as a postfix, all matching items are offered in a popup menu after you begin typing the first letters of a matching Autotext. The choices are narrowed down as you continue to type the Autotext. Video demonstration and tutorial The minimum number of letters required to trigger the popup menu can be configured at Tools Settings Popup Incremental Autotext suggested after x characters. Incremental Autotext is quite a special feature and you should completely understand the effects, otherwise you may receive many unnecessary popup menus that may distract your workflow. Incremental Autotext should be assigned to phrase folders and you should make sure to inherit the Autotext options for that folder to all items the folder contains. You may also activate the option Manual
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confirmation. Of course, Autotexts should be defined for all items in the folder.
Example uses of custom prefix/postfix settings: Prefix Default Postfix Default Explanation An Autotext such as 'eth' is only recognized when entered as a separate word. It is ignored in 'Eth an', within 'methane' and in the end of the word 'Beth'. Notes This is the default setting and recommended for most purposes.
Any
None
The Autotext example 'eth' is recognized everywhere, e.g. in 'Ethan', within 'methane' and in the end of the word 'Beth'.
This option is suitable e.g. to correct mixed letters at any position of a word. Careful use is of this option is recommended as such Autotext may be recognized inadvertently.
Default
Letter
The Autotext example 'eth' is only recognized in the beginning of a word such as 'Ethan' but ignored within 'methane' or 'Beth'.
This option is suitable e.g. to correct mixed letters at the beginning of a word only.
Letter
Default
The Autotext example 'eth' is only recognized in the end of a word such as 'B eth' but ignored within 'methane' or in the beginning of 'Ethan'.
This option is suitable e.g. to correct mixed letters at the end of a word.
Number
ENTER
This special configuration causes the Autotext to be recognized only if it appears right after any number and if it is finalized by hitting ENTER . Example: The Autotext 'test' would be recognized if you type '34test ENTER '. The number, however, is not part of the Autotext itself. The number is only required in order to trigger the phrase associated with the Autotext.
Default
Custom
You can set any character as a trailing delimiter. For example, if you were to define '#' symbol as the trailing delimiter, the Autotext is only recognized if '#' follows the entered Autotext.
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This auto-caps feature is disabled for Autotexts that exist in lower and upper case in your phrase library.
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You can optionally define (parts of) the window title of the program the restriction shall apply to. Click the + - button to add further program restrictions. To delete a program restriction, click the - - button. To exclude an individual phrase from a program you are currently working with, execute that phrase, right-click the PhraseExpress task tray icon and select the corresponding option. The program restriction feature explained here is valid for individual phrases/phrase folders and those settings are stored in the phrase file. If you use the phrase file with others (e.g. by using the Network Edition, all users share the same program restrictions. You can also restrict PhraseExpress including the text prediction feature to certain programs on a global level. Global program restrictions are stored in the configuration file (vs. the phrase file) and take effect on the specific computer only. Global program restrictions do not roam with the phrase file.
Password protection
Highlight the desired phrase file node in the phrase tree of the main program window and select the command File Set password protection for "xyz". Password-protected phrase files are securely encrypted with AES and also protected if transmitted over the internet. Your phrases are also protected if you share phrase files with cloud synchronization services such as Dropbox or GoogleDrive. The phrase file is encrypted before it is saved to your hard disk or transmitted over the internet.
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You can secure PhraseExpress against operating errors by removing settings from the user interface: Restriction Prevent change of program settings Configuration
Launch the PhraseExpress client with the command-line parameter -nosettings. Set a write-protect flag on the client's configuration file. If using the Network Edition uncheck the column labeled "C" in the tab "Monitor" of the Client Manager for the desired users.
Launch the PhraseExpress client with the command-line parameter -noedit Set a write-protect flag on the phrase file(s). If using the Network Edition uncheck the column labeled "W" in the tab "Monitor" of the Client Manager for the desired users.
Menu items to edit settings/phrases will not only be disabled but completely removed from the user interface. The reduced user interface increases ease-of-use and minimizes training and technical support by IT staff.
The text prediction feature saves you from repetitive text input and can be enabled at Settings Features Text Prediction. You don't need to manually create boilerplate templates. PhraseExpress automatically recognizes repeatedly entered sentences during your normal work. After a short learning period, PhraseExpress will start offering to auto-complete such frequently used phrases. Type sentences of a minimal length several times to allow PhraseExpress identifying them as repetitive input. The text prediction feature is caps-sensitive and distinguishes sentences by their punctuation. If you start entering a phrase of a minimum length for the third time, it will start to offer to auto-complete that phrase. The required minimum length is determined by the parameter "Minimum input savings" as described in chapter "Settings Text Prediction". Text suggestions automatically disappear if you just continue to type a few letters. You can also train PhraseExpress with your existing Word documents or sent Outlook emails to get instant suggestion based on what you have written earlier. It will be as if PhraseExpress has known you forever. The Text Prediction feature is integrated into PhraseExpress and internally uses a dictionary which is separate from your phrase files (see chapter "Storage location of your personal data"). Password input is not recorded if the password doesn't contain a space or punctuation mark. You can exclude PhraseExpress from individual programs if you enter confidential text in those programs. This feature is also available if you right-click a suggestion. PhraseExpress does not record any keystroke if the text prediction feature is disabled. Right-click unwanted text suggestions to block/delete them. If you do not get any text suggestions check the trouble-shooting section. The text prediction feature uses sophisticated algorithms to find suitable text suggestions and may cause moderate CPU load. Consider disabling the text prediction feature if working on a battery-powered Laptop to increase battery runtime. The text prediction feature is automatically disabled if using an Asian language.
to have
Press the customizable hotkey CTRL - ALT - V , PhraseExpress to open the clipboard cache popup menu. Right-click an entry to choose whether to insert with or without text formatting or to restore the selected previous contents back into the current clipboard. Configure the Clipboard Cache by highlighting the folder in the phrase tree view of the PhraseExpress main program:
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The Clipboard Cache can be flushed when PhraseExpress is closed. The maximum number of items in the cache can be limited. Any text formatting and bitmaps can optionally automatically be stripped from the clipboard contents. This allows you to quickly copy & paste text contents without formatting via the PhraseExpress Clipboard Cache. It may be useful to exclude the Clipboard Cache from certain programs to prevent the Clipboard Cache from picking up sensitive information. You can create a floating menu of the Clipboard Cache to gain instant access to your clipboard history on your desktop. PRO EDITION The Clipboard Cache can be password protected. System folders are automatically populated by the system and cannot be altered. You can only drag & drop items from the system folder into your own folder.
Spelling Correction
The spelling correction feature is realized with the regular Autotext feature. The PhraseExpress sample phrase file contains spelling correction items that replace misspelled words with the correct form. Example: A phrase with the contents "word" is triggered by entering the associated Autotext "wrod". This means if you enter "wrod", PhraseExpress will replace this auto-correct the misspelled word with the phrase contents. If you experience unwanted text replacements, you can easily identify and modify/delete unwanted items. Please find more information in chapter "Unwanted text replacements". We offer spelling databases in several languages as free add-ons.
TypoLearn
Video introduction
PhraseExpress recognizes manually corrected spelling mistakes. If you correct the same typo several times, a bubble notification in the task tray icon tells you that PhraseExpress created an automatic spelling correction item in the "TypoLearn" system folder. From then on, PhraseExpress offers you to correct this spelling mistake if it occurs again. PhraseExpress can only learn spelling mistakes only for single words that are finished with a space, removed by using the backspace key, manually corrected and finished by a space. It is very important not to leave out the space character. The TypoLearn feature can be activated under Tools Settings Features TypoLearn. To disable the feature, you can simply delete the TypoLearn system folder. Where? That's not the correct location.
You can configure TypoLearn settings by highlighting the system Word Corrections folder.folder in the phrase tree view: The TypoLearn can be flushed when PhraseExpress is closed. The maximum number of items in this folder can be limited. It makes sense to exclude very short words from the TypoLearn folder. We recommend a minimum length of 4 to 8 characters for spelling mistakes. You can also configure how often you would need to correct a spelling mistake manually, before it is added to the TypoLearn folder. We recommend 2-3 repetitions.
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Move spelling corrections from the TypoLearn system folder to your personal phrases as PhraseExpress may replace them with new spelling corrections if the maximum number of allowed items is reached in that folder. The text prediction feature must be enabled in order to use the TypoLearn feature. System folders are automatically populated by the system and cannot be altered. You can only drag & drop items from the system folder into your own folder.
SmartSearch
Video demo The SmartSearch provides a very useful tool to perform queries on your computer: Highlight any text in any application. Hit CTRL - F8 which will open a popup menu. Select the desired web page on which you would like to search for the highlighted term. PhraseExpress will then open the selected web page with the search results. This even works for addresses in Google Maps. This useful function uses various existing PhraseExpress macro functions for this task. You can download this feature as a free add-on from our website. You can change the hotkey to trigger the SmartSearch just like you can do with any other phrase. You can even assign a mouse button to this useful function for quicker access. You can add additional search engines to the SmartSearch as shown in this video.
Calc-As-You-Type
Video demo PhraseExpress can offer to replace any entered calculation such as "10+5=" with the actual result of the equitation once you enter the equal sign. This useful function is actually not an additional feature of PhraseExpress but just uses various existing PhraseExpress macro functions for this task. Download and import the special functions phrase file from http://www.phraseexpress.com/addons.php to use the CalculateAs-You-Type feature.
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Save the phrase file you wish to share via the command File Save As into the Dropbox Sync folder "/Dropbox/". Dropbox will sync the phrase file with all computers associated with your Dropbox account. All other PhraseExpress clients will automatically detect the phrase file in the local Dropbox sync folders and offers to load such phrase file. If you disabled auto-detection, just load the phrase file manually into PhraseExpress on all other computers. Phrase file changes will be distributed by Dropbox and synced by PhraseExpress automatically. Changes to the phrase file are recognized if the main program window is opened. You can set a password to secure your phrase files. Even compromised cloud services would never reveal your sensitive information as the phrase file is securely AES encrypted. Dropbox requires some time to distribute the phrase file over the internet. Sync issues can occur if multiple users are editing the file quicker than Dropbox can distribute the time. You can avoid such issues by restricting write permissions to only few or one single users.
Important
To connect to a SQL server make sure to have the network function enabled in Settings Network.
Important
Enable the network function enabled in Settings Network to allow PhraseExpress connecting to a PhraseExpress Server.
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You can enable the automatic server search via File Open Connect to a PhraseExpress Server and select Automatically find Server. By default, PhraseExpress continuously searches the PhraseExpress Server in the network (using a UDP broadcast poll via a customizable port 1036). If the PhraseExpress Server recognizes a poll, it welcomes the client by providing the current Server PC's IP address via a customizable UDP port and the client installation will download the phrases from the server. Once the client installation receives the IP address, it will first try to connect to this IP address every time a client restarts. Only if the server cannot be found anymore will the client start sending broadcast polls again. You can disable broadcast polls by manually defining the Server IP address, using a local phrase file or if you disable the network function in the client. Manual Server IP address If the Server PC's IP address is permanent, you can enter it manually to allow faster connection and to disable the client's broadcast polls. This also allows you to access the PhraseExpress Server via the internet (whereas polling via UDP would fail). The client will not find the Server again if the IP address changes in the meantime unless you enter the new IP address or switch to automatic server search (see above). Please find more information about using PhraseExpress in a network in the manual of the Network Edition at http://netman.phraseexpress.com.
Offline Caching
If PhraseExpress is accessing a phrase file over the network and if the network connection is interrupted (e.g. if you are traveling with your laptop), PhraseExpress uses a cached version of the latest status of the phrase file. You can still use and edit such cached phrase files. PhraseExpress automatically switches back to the network phrase file upon network re-connection and will synchronize any edits made offline. Backups created offline are also synced if the backup storage is located on a network drive. PhraseExpress clients which are licensed via the PhraseExpress Server of Network Edition or a SQL license database, use a temporary cached license while being disconnected from the network. The client must renew their license by reconnecting to the PhraseExpress Server after a while. You can review the license state via Help About.
Macro functions
PhraseExpress includes powerful macro functions to add dynamic text to your phrases such as external file contents, manual text input, time & date stamps or counters. PhraseExpress can also automatically launch programs, open documents, or websites, display message dialogs or tray hints or create input forms, link phrases, calculate math expressions and so much more PhraseExpress can automate repetitive tasks by emulating key press sequences with the help program loops and conditional statements.
{#time}
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{#docgen } {#msgbox } {#balloon } {#env } {#adldap } {#asc } {#rnd } {#mail } {#run } {#open } {#openfolder } {#opendlg } {#savedlg } {#output } {#url } {#focus } {#sleep } {#calc } {#simkey } {#cond } {#loop } {#clipboard } {#insertclipboard}
Launches the Document Generator "DocGen" (see DocGen Documentation) NEW Opens a message window with customizable buttons. Displays a balloon tip with custom text near the PhraseExpress task tray icon. Pastes a Windows environment variable. Pastes an ActiveDirectory LDAP variable. Pastes a special character. Pastes a random value. Creates a email message with filled recipient address, subject and message body. Launches an application. Opens a file. Opens a file folder in Windows Explorer. Shows the Windows "Open file" dialog and returns selected file(path). NEW Shows the Windows file "Save As" dialog and returns selected file(path). NEW Outputs text contents into a text file. NEW Opens a web page. Changes the focus to a running application. Inserts a delay before continuing to paste a phrase. Outputs the result of a mathematical calculation as text. Simulates entering a special key. If-then-Else function Repeat function Copy/Pastes the current clipboard. Pastes the current clipboard contents. This macro is suitable if you need to nest this feature in other macro functions. Fills the Windows clipboard with the defined contents. Creates or alters a phrase with custom content. Outputs current value of a counter variable. Defines the value and increment of a counter variable. Inserts the contents of an external file. Overrides the automatically defined paste method. Changes the current Windows keyboard language scheme.
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Retrieves the current Windows keyboard language scheme. Creates an input form that collects user input before executing the phrase. Provides several string operation functions for programmers. Functions to read information from Microsoft Outlook emails (requires separate Add-In "Text Expander for Outlook"). NEW
Macro functions are generally not supported by MS Word-formatted phrases. However, you can use Word macros in such phrases.
The macro functions {#time} and {#date} in this example are sequentially executed in their order and replaced with the actual current time and date every time this phrase is inserted. Nesting macro functions Macro functions can be nested to feed a parameter of a macro function by another macro function. Video Tutorial In most cases, the nested macro functions are processed first (From the inside to the outside). Example of a nested macro:
The inner #date macro is surrounded by the brackets of the outer macro function and processed first. It outputs the current date into the parameter -def of the surrounding #input macro function. As the result, this phrase shows an input window with the current date pre-filled.
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Example applications: Output only parts of a date or time, e.g. the current month's name or the day of the week. Output of a shifted date or time, e.g. next month, the current time plus three hours or any given date plus 14 (work) days. This may be versatile for invoice reminder boilerplate templates or out-of-office notifications. Output of the rounded time, e.g. "11:45am" instead of "11:39am". Parameter reference for the date/time formatting: Examples {#datetime -f mm/dd/yyyy hh:mm} {#datetime -f dd.mm.yy} {#datetime -f dddd dd.mm.yy} {#datetime -f hh:mm am/pm} Output 03/16/2007 10:47 16.03.2007 Thursday 16.03.07 10:47 am
Overview about the date/time parameters: Unit d dd ddd dddd dddddd m Meaning Displays the day without a leading zero (1-31) Displays the day including a leading zero (01-31) Displays the abbreviated weekday (Sun-Sat) Displays the weekday (Sunday-Saturday) Displays the date in standard format Displays the month without a leading zero (1-12). If the following parameter is h or hh, then the minute is being displayed instead of the month Displays the month including a leading zero (01-12). If the following parameter is h or hh, then the minute is being displayed instead of the month Displays the abbreviated month (Jan-Dec) Displays the month (January-December) Displays the year with two digits (00-99) Displays the year with four digits (0000-9999) Displays the hour without a leading zero (0-23) Displays the hour including a leading zero (00-23) Displays the minute without a leading zero (0-59) Displays the minute including a leading zero (00-59) Displays the second without a leading zero (0-59) Displays the second including a leading zero (00-59) Displays the time in the format as defined in the global variable LongDateFormat Displays the 12-hour time prefix am or pm
mm
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Time shift The current date and time output can be shifted with the optional parameter -s shift Replace shift with the positive/negative amount of shift. Directly after the amount, add which date/time unit should be shifted: Date/time shift examples {#datetime} {#datetime -s 1d} {#datetime -s -2h} {#datetime -f mm/yyyy -s 5y} Output 03/16/2007 10:47 03/17/2007 10:47 03/16/2007 08:47 03/2012
Number of days/weeks passed of the current year {#datetime -d} outputs the number of days that have passed within the current year. {#datetime -w} outputs the number of weeks that have passed within the current year. Perform date-based calculations with any given date You can provide any custom date via the parameter -value to perform date-/timeshift calculations on the provided date/time This example takes the current date via the parameter -value and performs a shift of +14 workdays:
You can use the same date formatting options as in #datetime. By default, the current date is highlighted in the calendar. You can however either enter a fixed default date or a dynamic date shift relative to the current date. The optional parameter -manual adds a manual input field underneath the calendar. To re-use the selected date in various places within a phrase, use the identical window title for all instances of the calendar macro. In such an event, PhraseExpress opens the calendar only one time and inserts the same selected date in all occurrences of the calendar macro within the phrase.
Linking phrases
Video Tutorial A very powerful function is the ability to link and nest phrases. This is useful, for example, to create an email signature which is re-used by multiple phrases.
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Hello, Thank you for your offer. We will reply to you as soon as possible. {#insert footer_jon}
At the end of above phrase you can see that it calls another phrase with the Autotext footer_jon which has following contents:
Hello, Thank you for your offer. We will reply to you as soon as possible. Kind regards, Jon Donson
You can also use an Autotext for a phrase folder. In such a case, the corresponding phrase folder would pop up at the present cursor's location and you can select the desired phrase. If using the optional parameter -random, PhraseExpress pastes a random phrase from the corresponding folder. Example: {#insert Autotext -random} The optional parameter -item number automatically takes the specified item from a phrase folder. Example: {#insert AutotextOfaPhraseFolder -item 3} You can also drag & drop phrases from the phrase tree directly into the phrase contents field to link it to the phrase you are currently editing. PhraseExpress will create the macro command at the position where you drop the phrase. If the inserted phrase does not yet have an Autotext, PhraseExpress auto-generate an Autotext which consists of a '##', parts of the description and a random number. Benefits of using nested phrases Nested phrases work like a template system. Footer text changes automatically take effect on all phrases which refer to it and you do not need to enter the phrases individually. This is nice if, e.g. only the phone number in a footer needs to be updated or if you would like to add a temporary special offer advertisement to your footer. You save storage space as you only need to add the reference to the nested phrase rather than typing its contents into each individual phrase.
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Variables are handled just like usual phrases. Open the Settings and right-click the location in the tree view where you would like to create the variable and select New variable from the popup menu. Alternatively, create a new standard phrase and enter a number as the description. PhraseExpress will then ask you if the phrase should be converted into a variable. In the right window you need to define a description, the start value, optionally an increment/decrement and - most importantly - the variable name (which is also interpreted as the Autotext ). If increment is zero, the variable won't be altered. You can now paste the variable as a value into any application. The practical way to use a variable is inside another phrase using the macro function {#insert } where it could be used as an order number:
Hello, Your order number is {#insert ordernr}. Thank you for your purchase. Kind regards, Ben Dover
The current variable value will be inserted and increased/decreased every time it is executed. If sharing a phrase file, consider storing your counters in a separate, local phrase file to avoid having the phrase file updated on all computers whenever you use the counter.
The cursor will be here: {#cursor} and not at the end of the phrase.
This macro only works for phrases without text formatting that are pasted using the key-by-key paste method. The cursor position can be affected by {#ASC } or {#SIMKEY } macros.
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Dear {#input -head Recipient's name?} ! Thank you for your email. We will reply as soon as possible. Best regards, Marc A. Roni
Whenever this phrase is executed, the following dialog window with the window title as specified in the macro function ("Recipient's name?" in this example) prompts the user for input before the phrase is actually inserted:
The entered text will be inserted at the position of the macro function:
Dear Frank Harris! Thank you for your email. We will reply as soon as possible. Best regards, Marc A. Roni
Additional parameters: The parameter -single opens a single line input field. You can dispatch the input with ENTER (rather than using the combination CTRL-ENTER ). Example: {#input -head MyInput -single} The parameter -def populates the input field with a default. Example: {#input -head MyInput -def AnyDefaultText} Parameter -required prevents users to submit the form without making any input. Additional parameters email, text, letters, numbers, url, filepath or folderpath validate the input for corresponding syntax. Following example requires the user to enter an email address:
If you need the text input at multiple positions within a phrase, just use the identical window title text for all macro functions and you will only need to enter the input once and it will be used for all instances.
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PhraseExpress can open a custom input form that collects data before a phrase is executed. The collected information is then inserted into the phrase at the positions of the corresponding form macro functions. We recommend following procedure to create an online form: Create the text phrase that shall include the form later. The form is automatically created for this phrase just by adding form macro functions. To add a form macro, position the cursor where the input of the form will be inserted later when you execute the phrase. Then, select Macro button and choose the desired form macro function from the menu.
List of form macro functions: Form macro name {#form -text Window title -width 450} Description Specifies the form window title text and width. The default width is 450 pixels. This macro function is optional and must be placed in the very beginning of the phrase.
Adds a text label to the form. The optional parameter -link turns the text into a clickable link that opens the web page as defined if the text is clicked in the form. The optional parameter -hint can define an additional description that appears if you hover over the text with the mouse cursor.
{#formseparator}
{#formeditbox -text label -def default value -single -required -hidden -hint description}
Adds a text input field to the form including a text description as defined with the parameter -text. The optional parameter -def populates the input field with a custom default value that can be changed by the user. Parameter -single turns the input field into a single line input field. User input becomes mandatory if you add the parameters -required. The term "input required" will be added to the text description. The user can only click the OK button of the form if the input field has any contents. PhraseExpress can additionally verify the syntax with additional parameters email, text, letters, numbers, url, filepath or folderpath. The parameter -hidden hides the user input with **** characters (as known from password input dialogs). The optional parameter -hint can define an additional description that appears if you hover over the text with the mouse cursor.
Adds a check box to the form including a text description as defined with the parameter -text. If the check box is selected, the first value of the parameter -vals will be inserted into the phrase. If the check box is not selected, the second value (after the vertical line) will be inserted into the phrase. Both values can be macro functions. The example {#formcheckbox -vals {#insert ##yes}|{#insert ##no}} inserts the phrase with the Autotext #yes if the checkbox has been ticked. Otherwise, the phrase with the Autotext ##no would be inserted. If you do not specify values for -vals , the words 'True' or 'False' will be
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inserted into the phrase. The check box will be ticked by default in the form if you add the parameter -def True. The optional parameter -hint can define an additional description that appears if you hover over the text with the mouse cursor.
{#formcombobox -text label -items Option1|Option2|Option3 -def Option 1 -required -hint description}
Adds a drop down selection ("combo-box") to the form including a text description as defined with the parameter -text . List any possible selectable items under the parameter -items, each separated by a vertical line character. Each item may be another macro function as macros can be nested. You can define a pre-selected item under -def. User input becomes mandatory if you add the parameters -required. The term "input required" will be added to the text description and the user can only click the OK button of the form if the input field has any contents. The optional parameter -hint can define an additional description that appears if you hover over the text with the mouse cursor.
Adds a drop down selection ("combo-box") with all phrases of a phrase folder defined by its Autotext with the parameter -source. The optional parameter -hint can define an additional description that appears if you hover over the text with the mouse cursor.
Example:
{#form -text Example form -width 500}{#formtext -text This is form example}{#formseparator}Customer Name: {#formeditbox -text Your name? -def Mike -single -required}. The user is a {#formcheckbox -text Existing Customer? -hint description -vals paying|non-paying -def Yes}. The customer is using {#formcombobox -text Which version? -items version 1|version 2|version 3} .
This phrase opens a form window which collects all user input. After you filled the form and clicked the OK button, PhraseExpress will replace the form macro functions with the actual input and outputs the phrase into the target application in one go:
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Customer Name: Michael. The customer is a paying customer. The customer is using version 3.
Form macros can be used in any combination and number. The maximum text description length is 256 characters. If text is cut by the form, increase the form window width with the {#form} macro function. The form height is automatically determined by the number of controls in the form. Normally, macro functions are processed recursively, starting with inner nested macros to outer macros. Form macros are an exception as they are sequentially processed. Only macro functions that are nested within a form macro are processed recursively. If you need any input at multiple positions within a phrase, use the identical label for all related form macros. Only one instance of the objects that have the same label will be shown in the form. The user input will then be inserted at all positions of the form macro (that has the same label) in the phrase. Form macros are only available in the Pro Edition. You can upgrade your license at http://upgrade.phraseexpress.com
The operating system is {#env %os%} and the user name is {#env %user name%}
The operating system is Windows_NT and the user name is Jon Donson
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The macro function {#adldap variable name} inserts the specified LDAP variable into the phrase. This macro is useful e.g. for email signatures which are dynamically filled by the ActiveDirectory variables. Example:
Create an email
Video Tutorial The macro function {#email -to recipient -cc cc-recipients -bcc bcc-recipients -subject subject text -body body text -attach file path(s)} creates a new Email with your standard email client and fills the fields as specified. Example:
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The macro will launch your default email client, fill the form of the new email and paste the phrase with the Autotext example phrase as the email body:
Dear Holly, Please check your post mailbox at home. Sincerely, Earl E. Bird
Strange characters in the mail body may caused by email programs with UTF-8 character encoding (e.g. Outlook 2007). In such a case, please enable UTF-8 support in the PhraseExpress expert settings. Multiple file attachments can be separated by a vertical line. Example: -attach C:\file1.txt|C:\file2.txt If the attachment file names contain space characters, you must enclose the path in "". The #mail macro offers additional features if using Microsoft Outlook, such as definition of a file attachment and unlimited body text length. On the other hand, email sent using the mailto: system command only offers a limited body text length. Reduce the amount of text if an error message occurs.
Launch a program
Video instruction The macro function {#run -file "program name" -params "optional parameters" -workdir "working directory"} launches the specified program. Example:
If the desired application is not registered in Windows, you need to enter the full path to the program.
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The above macro function {#openfolder "c:\path"} opens the specified file folder in Windows Explorer. Example:
{#openfolder "C:\Windows"}
This example opens the file folder c:/Windows in the File Explorer. The parameter -select highlights the specified folder in File Explorer.
Open a file
The macro function {#open file} opens the specified file with the default application which is associated with the file type. Example:
{#open d:\data\example.txt}
The optional parameter -wait pauses the phrase execution until the web page is fully loaded (IE only) or if the optional timeout (in seconds) is reached.
{#opendlg -title Select a Word document -defext doc -deffilename MyFile -initdir d:/data}
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The macro returns the selected file path. This macro function is useful in combination with the {#output } macro function (see below).
Output to file
The macro function {#output -target d:/data/test.txt -content text} saves the text as specified with parameter -content into a file with the name and destination as defined with -target. Example:
{#output -target {#savedlg -title Where to save the file?} -content {#docgen}}
This nice example runs the Document Generator and saves its generated output into a file. The file destination is defined by the user with the help of the "Save file" dialog triggered by the {#savedlg } macro function.
jondoe{#TAB}password{#ENTER}
Above example outputs "jondoe", followed by the TAB -key, the text "password" and the ENTER -key. This is useful to automate the login procedure at website logins ( video tutorial). List of keywords for all supported special keys: CTRL, ALT, SHIFT, SPACE, BKSP, TAB, BREAK, DEL, LEFT, RIGHT, UP, DOWN, ENTER, ESC, NUMPAD0, NUMPAD1, NUMPAD2, NUMPAD3, NUMPAD4, NUMPAD5, NUMPAD6, NUMPAD7, NUMPAD8, NUMPAD9, MULTIPLY, ADD, SEPARATOR, SUBTRACT,
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DECIMAL, DIVIDE, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12, F13, F14, F15, F16, INS, HOME, END, PGDN, PGUP, PRTSC, SCROLLLOCK, NUMLOCK, CAPSLOCK, LWIN, RWIN, NONE Notes for certain special keys: Special key {#NONE} Note This is a placeholder for special purposes. Example: {#NONE -chars{#ENTER} {#DOWN} -count 5} simulates pressing the ENTER - and Arrow Down -key five times. These keywords represent the keys on the extended number block on the far right of your keyboard (or distributed throughout if using some laptops/netbooks).
{#CALC 4+5}
This example would output the result 9. This macro function becomes more interesting by combining it with other macro functions:
The #input macro of this example prompts the user to input a number and the surrounding calc macro outputs this number multiplied by 45. Instead of the number 45 you could even use the #insert macro to point to a value which is stored in the phrase containing the defined Autotext:
If you enter 5 and the phrase with the Autotext 'examplephrase' has the value of 12, then the above example would output 60. The calc macro function also supports hexadecimal values that are identified by a leading $-symbol:
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The optional parameter -digits adds a customizable number of leading zeros to the output. The optional parameter -round rounds the output to the given number of digits. Parameter -decimalmark defines the decimal mark character. Parameter -thousands defines the thousands separator character. If you use the value "auto" for -round, -decimalmark or -thousands, the output format adapats to the format of the input. Windows system number format defaults apply if no formatting is specified.
{#FOCUS Calculator}
The above macro changes the focus to the calculator program (if it is running). You can also use a wildcard * within the windows title definition.
Add a delay
{#SLEEP nnnn}
This function is very important and often required to slow down PhraseExpress automation. It waits for a specified amount of milliseconds to give applications enough time to perform automated tasks invoked by PhraseExpress, e.g. loading a website.
You can use the logical operators "=", "!=" (for "not"), ">", "<", ">=" and "=<". PhraseExpress can compare text and integer numbers. Floating point numbers are not supported. The parameters can include additional, nested macro functions.
Loop Function
{#LOOP -count x } repeats anything x-times, that is, the number which follows after 'LOOP'.
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Example:
The example used here uses the word 'example' three times:
Clipboard
Video demo
{#CLIPBOARD -copy}
This macro copies text into the Windows clipboard which is currently highlighted in any application.
{#CLIPBOARD -paste}
This macro pastes the current Windows clipboard contents at the current cursor location within a phrase.
The macro function {#SETCLIPBOARD contents} fills the clipboard with the given contents. Example:
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In this example, the clipboard is filled with the text you enter in the input dialog (keep in mind that macros are processed beginning from the innermost macro).
If above phrase has been triggered by the word 'example', the text output would be "The word example triggered this phrase".
Create/Alter a phrase
Video tutorial
{#SETPHRASE -description phrase description -content phrase contents -autotext phrase autotext -folder folder autotext }
This powerful macro function creates a phrase with the given phrase description name and custom contents in any existing folder as defined with the -folder parameter. Existing phrase's contents will be overwritten with the new provided contents. This macro can be used to create a variable that can be embedded into other phrases using the {#INSERT } macro. The phrase file is stored after each execution of a phrase which contains this macro. If you use the PhraseExpress Network Edition, then all clients are updated in this case. Unless you want to share the generated phrase with others, you might want to store it in a separate, local phrase file. The defined phrase will be deleted if you leave the parameter -content empty. If no folder is defined, the phrase will be created in the root of the phrase tree hierarchy.
This macro is useful especially if you want to reuse the same variable multiple times without increasing its value after insertion. Just set the increment to zero before pasting the variable and redefine the actual increment at the end of the phrase:
{#SETVAR -var Counter -inc 0}The Counter has the value: {#INSERT Counter} The Counter still has the same value: {#INSERT Counter}.{#SETVAR -var Counter -inc 1}
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The Counter has the value: 5 The Counter still has the same value: 5
Without use of #setvar , calling the counter would increase its value from 5 to 6:
The Counter has the value: 5 The Counter still has the same value: 6
The phrase file is stored after each execution of a phrase which contains this macro. If you use the PhraseExpress Network Edition, then all clients are updated in this case. Please use this macro function with care. Unless you want to share the variable with others, you might want to store the variable in a separate, local phrase file.
The #insertfile macro function loads the specified file and inserts the contents into the phrase at the position of the macro function. Supported file types: File Type Text files File Extension .TXT, .RTF, .HTM, .HTML, .DOC, .DOCX
Bitmap files
Microsoft Word files are supported in the Professional Edition only. The {#INSERTFILE} macro function combines and replaces the depreciated macro functions {#IMGFILE} and {#TEXTFILE}.
This macro function overrides the automatic selection of the paste method for a particular phrase. You can also define the paste speed here (in milliseconds delay per keystroke). Either use kbk for the 'key-by-key' paste method or cb if you want the phrase to be pasted
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using the Windows clipboard. This macro must be positioned at the beginning of a phrase. You can also configure specific paste methods for individual programs.
{#lowercase Text} {#uppercase Text} {#lowercasefirst Text} {#uppercasefirst Text} {#lowercaseword Text} {#uppercaseword Text} {#trim Text} {#trimleft Text} {#trimright Text}
Outputs the position as a number of the position of the first occurrence of Substring within Text. Replaces the text in Text as provided in -oldtext with the text as provided in -newtext. Extracts the partial string beginning at the position as defined in -from with the length -count.
{#replace Text -oldtext OldText -newtext NewText} {#substr Text -from x -count y}
Sample Application:
This nested macro is processed from the inside to the outside: #input prompts the user to enter a name. The current clipboard content is offered as a default to the user by the macro function #insertclipboard. The macro #trim then removes any unwanted spaces before and following the manual input. Finally, #upperfirstcase assures that the first letter of the entered name is in caps.
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Example:
{#SETLAYOUT 00000407}This text will be pasted with German keyboard layout settings. {#SETLAYOUT 00000409}This text will be pasted with US-American keyboard layout settings. {#SETLAYOUT 00000407}This text will be pasted with German keyboard layout settings again.
This macro changes the Windows keyboard settings permanently. The additional macro {#GETLAYOUT} retrieves the language scheme which is currently set in Windows. This macro together with the macro {#SETPHRASE } allows you to temporarily override the current settings, change it to any custom keyboard layout and afterwards reset the layout to its original setting:
This macro saves the keyboard layout into a new phrase 'Current Layout" which is identified by its Autotext "currentkeyboardscheme". After any custom changes of the keyboard layout, you can retrieve the original settings with this macro phrase:
The final {#SETPHRASE } macro with its empty -content parameter deletes the temporarily used phrase. A list of language identifiers is available at Microsoft MSDN web page.
You can switch between modes at any time by pressing the Easy/Expert mode button in the main program window. Any setting made in Expert Mode still take effect in Easy Mode.
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Program Settings
To configure PhraseExpress, right-click the PhraseExpress system tray icon, select Edit phrases from the popup menu and click Tools Settings. Smart people access frequently used settings by clicking the PhraseExpress task tray icon while holding a combination of modifier keys: Key combination CTRL -Click SHIFT -Click ALT -Click CTRL - ALT -Click Action Temporarily enable/disable Autotext/Text prediction feature and Hotkeys. Open the last executed phrase to edit in PhraseExpress. Quick access to the program settings window. Quick access to the text prediction feature settings.
The menu item Settings is hidden/disabled in following cases: The PhraseExpress configuration file config.xml is write-protected. PhraseExpress has been launched with the command-line parameter -nosettings. Setting permissions have been removed in the Client Manager (no checkmark in column "S") of the Network Edition.
Settings - Features
Most settings here are self-explanatory and we try avoiding redundant descriptions such as "The Option Activate Autotext activates Autotext". If you feel stuck with the settings, you can always revert the options to default values by clicking the button Revert to defaults.
Settings - Hotkeys
Access frequently used program functions by pressing Hotkeys or mouse buttons (Open this setting now) Please also see chapter "Settings - Popup Menu - Hotkeys" which describes how you can define additional hotkeys for phrase popup menu related tasks.
Settings - Display
Instantly change the PhraseExpress user interface language and customize the behavior of the main program window. If don't get any tray balloon tips even if you enabled the balloon tips in PhraseExpress, they may have been generally disabled on your computer. In such case, please watch this video to learn how to enable balloon tips on your computer.
Settings - Sounds
The phrase selection menu can be overseen easily. That is why you can configure .wav and .mp3 sounds for a range of events in PhraseExpress. We recommend using short and unobtrusive sounds.
Warning!
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If multiple users share the same phrase file and if you deactivate synchronization, any other user's changes will be overwritten. Data loss can occur!
If you do not want PhraseExpress to automatically detect phrase file stored in sync folders of popular cloud storage services like Dropbox, SkyDrive, GoogleDrive, etc., uncheck the option "Scan cloud synchronization folders". Cache SQL phrases Phrase contents are loaded from the SQL database in the moment of insertion. PhraseExpress can optionally temporarily cache phrases locally to reduce network traffic and to speed up insertion. Caching increase local memory consumption and the client updates phrase content changes only on program launch. Backup PhraseExpress automatically creates a customizable number of backups each time you modify the phrase file. You can also turn off automatic backups (not recommended!). The backup storage location differ from the phrase file storage location. Multiple installations can use the same backup storage path. PhraseExpress will then merge all backups into a common backup for all installations. To restore a backup, highlight the phrase file node, you wish to restore, in the phrase tree view, select File Restore from backup and select the desired backup from the list. The current phrase file will be stored as a backup and replaced with the selected backup version. You can "undo" this restore by repeating the procedure and selecting the latest backup.
Important Notes
Make sure to have sufficient disk space. Example: If your phrase file size is 3MB you may need at least up to 300MB free disk space if you wish to keep a history of the last 100 versions. Backup your phrase file to multiple different (external) storage media. Hard disk can break and they do so when you rely on them the most! PhraseExpress does not create backups for system phrase files (clipboard cache, etc.) and for SQL databases. The PhraseExpress Server uses a separate backup system.
Settings - Network
Network Support must be enabled to connect PhraseExpress client with a PhraseExpress Server. Change network port configuration only if they are used by another program on your individual network. Please find additional information in the PhraseExpress Network Edition manual at http://netman.phraseexpress.com
Important updates
You will be informed about important updates that may fix critical bugs. Important updates are released in the rare event that they are absolutely required in order to prevent data
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loss or malfunction. This setting is recommended for companies with a conservative update policy.
Minor updates
Please choose this setting if you always want to have the very latest version, including minor improvements Such minor updates are not essentially necessary but may include nice to have new features and may fix minor bugs that are not critical.
Experimental updates
Only choose this setting if you expect a customization provided by us or if we instructed you to configure this option for technical support purposes. Normal users should not activate this option as you may get an update that may not work in your environment or that may be erroneous. Experimental updates have no use or benefit for normal users.
Beta versions
This setting informs you about the availability of a beta version of a major new PhraseExpress release. This option may not always be present.
The settings is backward-compatible. This means that you will also informed about important updates, even if you have selected the setting minor updates. The chapter "Keep PhraseExpress up-to-date" provides additional information about updates.
The popup menu opens below the current line of text input.
If the current text input line is above the middle of the screen, then the popup will open below the current text line. Otherwise, it will open above the text input line.
Fixed position
Trigger a popup menu with a hotkey and you can define a permanent and fixed position of the phrase popup by moving it to the desired position by clicking on the separator line (above the menu command "Create new phrase"). This setting can be reset by right-clicking the separator line.
The popup menu opens directly next to the current's mouse cursor position.
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Some programs such as Mozilla Firefox or Thunderbird send false cursor coordinates to the operating system. PhraseExpress automatically recognizes invalid coordinates and defaults the popup menu to your choice of following alternative positions: Next to the PhraseExpress task tray icon Centered in the primary monitor Centered in the monitor that displays the current target application (useful and applicable if using multiple monitors) Centered in the target application window Next to the mouse pointer The Microsoft Active Accessibility function can provide a more precise cursor location. However, it may be incompatible with certain programs which may crash. If you experience such incompatibility, disable this option.
Num1-Num9
Numpad - These are the numbers of the Number pad on the right side of a full size keyboard. These may not be available on a laptop. Benefit: Numbers can still be entered using the number keys of the upper row of your keyboard. Make sure to have 'NumLock' activated which is indicated by a lamp on your keyboard.
The F-keys allow you to select up to 12 items in the popup menu. Always use function keys in conjunction with CTRL , SHIFT , ALT or WIN as function keys are normally reserved by programs and the operating system.
Letters a-z
Regular letters allow you to select one of the first 26 items in a phrase popup.
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Always use letter keys in conjunction with CTRL , SHIFT , ALT or WIN as you would otherwise not be able to enter any text if a popup is opened.
Hotkeys for the Text Prediction Feature You can insert just the next word of the suggested sentence by pressing a customizable hotkey, such as CTRL - Arrow Right ( Open this setting now ).
Accepting the suggestion at this time would save you entering the remaining "u for your email." which equals 17 keystrokes. We recommend that you change this setting value to at least 15 to 20 for sentences as there is little benefit of saving 3-5 characters. The time to evaluate the text suggestions would exceed the time required to finish the last 3 to 5 characters of the sentence. For single word predictions, we recommend something like 5 to 10 characters. Just keep in mind that the higher the Minimum input savings parameter, the longer the sentences that are suggested. This parameter works against the precision parameter: If you set a high precision value, then PhraseExpress waits with suggestions until you have entered a few words. Therefore if you also define a high Minimum input savings parameter then the sentence must be really long in order to be suggested.
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Expert Options
The following expert options are only available in Expert Mode.
Important Notes
The Expert options are reserved for advanced users who need to adapt PhraseExpress to special use scenarios. In most cases, we will provide instructions upon request. We do not provide technical support in the event that you change the expert options. Before contacting support, please revert the expert options to defaults.
Default leading- and trailing delimiter are the standard delimiters, which allow PhraseExpress to recognize the beginning and end of an Autotext. #0 means any character, #9 means the TAB -key, #13 means the ENTER -key. If you use #0 for both delimiters, then input would be recognized at any position within a word. The option Route ENTER and TAB through PhraseExpress allows the program to extend Autotexts to their phrases if they are confirmed by ENTER before they are sent to the target application. You can disable this behavior, as it can cause problems in certain programs (e.g. Games) where ENTER may be blocked or double-executed. The detection of Autotext, hotkeys and the text prediction feature can be restricted on a global program level. This configuration is stored in the local configuration file of the user's computer. Global program restrictions are not shared with other users sharing a common phrase file/database.
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The Delay for focus change allows the system to switch focus from PhraseExpress to the actual target application and depends on the CPU performance. Increase this delay if sent keyboard strokes are pasted in wrong applications or 'into Nirvana'. Older PCs may require a little more delay.
Sendkey
Advantage: Maximum program compatibility (including Java applets). Disadvantage: Does not work with special keyboard layouts or special characters. Required setting if you use PhraseExpress with the browser Apple Safari v5.1.
WM_char message
This is a experimental settings and should only be used if you experience difficulties with the other settings.
Clipboard
Long phrases should be pasted using the Windows Clipboard with a 'single strike'. However, this method causes a delay by the system, as the Clipboard needs to be cleared, filled, pasted and released. Thus this paste method is not suitable for the quick corrections of typos, etc.
The best of two worlds is available by enabling the option Automatically Paste text via clipboard if length exceeds x characters. PhraseExpress can Restore previous clipboard contents after use by the program. This causes an extra delay, as the original clipboard contents need to be cached and restored. The paste method can be configured separately for specific target program. Some programs work better with VK_Packet and others may be fine with SendKey (JAVA programs and the popular chat client Pidgin for example). Video tutorial We cannot make recommendation about which paste method works best with which target program. Please experiment with the settings if you experience difficulties. The macro function {#pasteoptions } allows the user to override any other paste method setting for individual phrases.
Program States
PhraseExpress has different states which are indicated by its task tray icon color: Color Explanation
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white
PhraseExpress is currently busy with loading/processing the phrase file. If using the Network Edition, the program searches for the PhraseExpress Server on the network.
gray
PhraseExpress is ready to use, but Hotkeys, Autotext and the text prediction feature are temporarily disabled (see chapter "Temporarily deactivate PhraseExpress").
red
green
PhraseExpress is ready to use and is connected to the PhraseExpress Server of the Network Edition.
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CTRL - SHIFT - Arrow Up/Down CTRL - Arrow Up/Down SHIFT - Arrow Up/Down Page Up/Down SHIFT - Page Up/Down
Shifts the current tree view within the viewport by one item to the top/bottom. Extends the current selection to the previous/next element. Jumps to the first/last currently visible item of the current phrase folder level. Extends the current selection to all currently visible previous/next elements of the current phrase folder level. Shifts the current tree view within the viewport to the top/bottom currently visible item. Jumps to the first/last item of the current phrase folder level. Jumps to the very first/last item of your entire phrase librabry.
PhraseExpress Hotkeys are temporarily disabled when the cursor is placed in the Hotkey input field to allow you to enter/use above Hotkeys for your phrases/folders.
Register PhraseExpress
If you are using PhraseExpress in a professional environment, you must purchase a license and register your PhraseExpress installation which is a one-time procedure.
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You must not continue to use a PhraseExpress installation for professional activities after license removal. If you forgot to remove a license from an installation, you can remove the license after re-installing PhraseExpress.
General Hints
Of course, we have used PhraseExpress since its first version in 2002 and collected a few hints to help you to get the maximum benefits out of PhraseExpress: Organize phrases in folders. Structure your phrases in folders with subjects reflecting the purpose of your tasks. E.g. create individual folders for English, German or French phrases, phrases used for different products. Create another folder for your frequently used abbreviations, chat phrases, signatures, Internet links, bank accounts, coding fragments, letter templates, etc. Use nested phrases. PhraseExpress allows you to embed a phrase in another phrase. Create a phrase containing your signature only once and refer to it from all other email/letter templates where you use this signature (More info ) Use Hotkeys for folders rather than phrases. The number of available Hotkeys is rather limited. It is also easier to memorize a few folder Hotkeys that allow access to multiple phrases easily, literally at your fingertips. Use Autotext or Snippets extensively. It is just too useful to be ignored. Use it to extend abbreviations, to correct misspellings, to extend Internet addresses, etc. If you type 'hp.' PhraseExpress can open the web page 'http://www.mygreathomepage.com' in your browser. What a time saver! Bitmaps in your phrases take a lot of disk space and you may decide to link bitmaps into a phrase using macro functions to embed external data.
"Undocumented" Hacks
PhraseExpress includes some hidden pearls and useful tricks for motivated users: Activate the Expert Mode under Settings Features to reveal additional options and features. Edit phrases quickly by right-clicking them in the phrase popup. Edit the latest pasted phrase with a SHIFT -Click on the PhraseExpress task tray icon. Alternatively, you can also configure a Hotkey for this action in the Settings. Add separator lines between phrases in the phrase tree by creating a new phrase and simply entering a few minus symbols "---" as the phrase description. PhraseExpress will then automatically convert such phrase into a horizontal separating line. If you create a new phrase and input a number as the phrase description, PhraseExpress will prompt you to create a counter variable which increments each time you paste such counter phrase. CTRL -Clicking the Search button opens the Search & Replace dialog. CTRL -Clicking the OK button saves any changes of the phrase file while keeping the main program window open.
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You will quickly realize that PhraseExpress pays off after a few hours of using it. The program even tells you the money you have saved by using it if you optionally enter your hour rate. Of course, no such information is transmitted to us. PhraseExpress uses the currency as defined in the Windows regional settings.
Important note
Gathering information about the computer user performance may violate employee privacy protection laws in your country. Make sure that it is legal to use this function. If not, disable it under Settings Statistics. If using the PhraseExpress Network Edition, you can disable the statistics function on all workstation installations by removing the statistic columns 'time saved' and 'money saved' from the monitor of the Client Manager.
Symbol
Erluterung Phrase files have the extension .pxp and contain the phrase folder structure, phrase contents, autotext and hotkey settings and program restrictions and access permissions. The default name is phrases.pxp unless you saved your phrases under a new file name. Phrase files can be stored on a local hard disk or network share. Multiple users can now access the same phrase file. PhraseExpress will then synchronize and merge changes.
PhraseExpress automatically detects if the phrase file is located in a folder synced by Dropbox.
The phrase file is hosted by the PhraseExpress Server of the Network Edition.
PhraseExpress loads the phrases from a Firebird SQL Server. SQL databases can't be password-protected in PhraseExpress. Please
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use 3rd party SQL database tools to secure your phrases or apply access restrictions for your phrases.
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The phrase file tree will be populated with the phrases of that file. If you define a phrase file that does not exist yet, PhraseExpress will create a new and empty phrase file at this position after confirmation.
If the phrase file has read-only access rights, PhraseExpress removes all menu options to create or edit phrases. Phrase files provided by us may internally be configured for import only. The phrase contents, Autotexts and descriptions are ZIP compressed and AES encrypted.
This temporary phrase file stores the dynamically generated contents of the special phrase folders used for the clipboard cache, last used phrases and Typolearn.
User data folder: Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Documents \PhraseExpress\) Windows 7/8: C:\Users\UserName \Documents\PhraseExpress\ If running PhraseExpress from a USB drive, these files are located in the directory where the program file is running from.
words.pal
This file contains the dynamic dictionary used for the text prediction feature. This file must not be edited. It does not contain human-readable information but only word lists and information about links between words. If using the text prediction feature, backup this file frequently to an external storage media to prevent loss of your text predictions!
config.xml
All program settings are stored in this file. It has an XML structure and can be edited by experienced IT administrators.
User Application data folder: Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\ApplicationData \PhraseExpress) Windows 7/8: C:\Users\UserName\AppData \Roaming\PhraseExpress\ The installation file copies a default configuration file into the Common User Application data folder:
network.pxp
If you are using the PhraseExpress Network Edition and if the network connection is interrupted, PhraseExpress uses this dynamically generated
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temporary copy of the latest version of the network phrase file as a cache while you are not connected to the Server.
Windows 7/8: C:\ProgramData \PhraseExpress\ If PhraseExpress is launched for the first time from a new user account, it will copy this common configuration file into the User Application data folder. If running PhraseExpress from a USB drive, these files are located in the directory where the program file is running from.
If your XML file contains characters that are also part of the XML syntax, you need to 'escape' these characters as follows: Character & (ampersand) Encoded character &
<
>
"
' (quote)
&apos
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Link
PhraseExpress creates a new phrase and links the external file with the {#insertfile } macro function. If you call the phrase, the macro will dynamically load the external file and inserts its contents into the target application. Benefits: The macro function does not require much space in the PhraseExpress phrase file. As the external file is loaded at the time of the insertion, you always get the latest contents (if the external file has been changed in the meantime). Disadvantages: As the external file is loaded at the time of the insertion, the phrase is inserted with a small delay. You must not move or delete the linked file in order to keep the link. Links to external files are ignored by PhraseExpress if missing. If you are using the phrase file on another PC you must make sure that the external file is also accessible via the same link. If using the Network Edition, this is not critical as the phrase file is centrally stored.
PhraseExpress creates a new phrase and opens the external file/program with the {#open } macro function. Example: If you import a Microsoft Excel .XLS file this way, PhraseExpress will launch Excel and load the Excel spreadsheet.
PhraseExpress can generate a separate phrase for each line of the text file. Each line may contain a phrase content and, optionally, an Autotext for that phrase. Video introduction Example: A text file contains a list of words and their abbreviations, each separated by three by three underscore characters as a "separator":
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After defining the order of the phrase <-> Autotext, PhraseExpress will create a phrase folder named with the imported text file name and generate a separate phrase per line:
Text file formatting requirements Eventually, you need to tweak the raw data of your text file to meet the requirements to allow PhraseExpress to import the file line-per-line: The file must be text without formatting. Each line must consist of a phrase plus optionally an Autotext that is separated by one or more separating characters. The order phrase <-> Autotext doesn't matter but must be consistent for all lines. The separator must be identical for each line. The separator (as a whole) must not be contained in any phrase text or Autotext in that file. If all requirements are met, PhraseExpress can determine the separator automatically. You can manually correct the separator in the import dialog if the automatic detection failed.
Text data from other applications can also be dynamically embedded into a phrase using a variety of macro functions, such as {#env}, {#adldap} or {#insertfile}.
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To get a specific snippet groups instead of all of your snippets, save a copy of the snippet group you would like to use with PhraseExpress by selecting the desired group in TextExpander's main window and then pressing the Command key (also known as the "Apple key") and the S key simultaneously.
Transfer the TextExpander phrase file(s) to your Windows PC: Copy the *.textexpander snippet file(s) from your Mac to a USB flash drive, burnable CD or DVD, and then copy them to your Windows PC. E-mail them as an attachment to yourself. Establish a network connection between both PCs Use an online file sharing application such as DropBox.
Import your transferred TextExpander phrase file(s) into PhraseExpress: right (!)-Click on the TextExpander phrase file and select Import into PhraseExpress from the context menu. Alternatively, open the PhraseExpress main program window and right-click the desired phrase folder where you would like to import the snippet group into, and select Import from the context menu.
PhraseExpress will convert the proprietary TextExpander file and import the snippets into the PhraseExpress phrase library. PhraseExpress currently supports unformatted text and most of TextExpander own macro functions (except Apple Scripting as this is not available on Windows platforms).
Exporting Phrases
Video instruction To export any phrase file folder just drag the phrase folder out of the phrase tree onto the Windows desktop to export the folder. The exported .pxp file can be re-imported or opened in PhraseExpress as an autonomous (stand-alone) phrase file.
Data Backup
PhraseExpress automatically creates up to 99 backup copies each time you modify local phrase files. You can recover an earlier version of your phrase with following procedure: Highlight the phrase file node in the tree view of the main program window. Select the command File Restore from backup. Select the desired version of the phrase file. PhraseExpress will then replace the currently loaded phrase file with the selected archived version. You can undo this action with the same procedure. The backup feature can be configured in the backup settings. The PhraseExpress Network Edition uses a separate backup system.
Important Notes
Frequently backup your phrase file to an external storage media to eliminate the slightest risk of losing your data, e.g. in case of hard disk failure. PhraseExpress does not create backups for system phrase files (such as the Clipboard Cache) and for SQL databases.
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Video Tutorial We continuously improve PhraseExpress and we strongly recommend keeping the program up-to-date with the conveniently provided built-in internet update check. To check manually for updates, connect your computer to the internet and click the PhraseExpress system tray icon Network Online updates Check for updates. Tools Settings
Here you can also disable or configure the update check to only notify you about critical, minor or experimental updates. Online update check is deactivated while PhraseExpress is connected to the PhraseExpress Server to prevent software version mix-up in a network environment. Use the Client Manager to check for updates if using the PhraseExpress Server.
-DICTIONARY=file path
Launches PhraseExpress with a custom text prediction dictionary file. You can optionally set this .pal file to read-only in order to use it as a pre-defined set of text suggestions.
-CONFIGFILE=file path
Launches PhraseExpress with a custom configuration file. Example: PhraseExpress.exe -configfile=c:/data/myconfig.xml When closing PhraseExpress, the program will save the configuration to the default position again (User Application data folder, e.g. \Users\John Doe\AppData\Roaming\PhraseExpress\config.xml ).
-READONLY
The phrase file will be treated as if the read-only file attribute would be set. Consequently, you cannot create or alter phrases.
-NOSETTINGS
Menu commands to change settings are removed from the user interface.
-NOEXIT
The menu item "Exit PhraseExpress" is removed from the task tray icon popup.
-PORTABLE
Forces PhraseExpress to launch in the USB mode even if the program is not launched from a USB memory stick. Please find more information in the chapter "PhraseExpress on USB flash drives".
-CERTCHECK
Checks the digital signatures of all program files on startup for extra security. Startup time may slow down significantly when using this command-line parameter.
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/SILENT /VERYSILENT
Instructs Setup to be silent or very silent. When Setup is silent the wizard and the background window are not displayed but the installation progress window is. When a setup is very silent this installation progress window is not displayed. Everything else is normal so for example error messages during installation are displayed. If a restart is necessary and the '/NORESTART' command isn't used (see below) and Setup is silent, it will display a Reboot now? message box. If it's very silent it will reboot without asking.
/SUPPRESSMSGBOXES
Instructs Setup to suppress message boxes. Only has an effect when combined with '/SILENT' and '/VERYSILENT'.
/SERVER=IP address:Port
You can specify the server's IP address and port via command line.
/ServerUDPPort=port number
The Client tries to find the Server by sending UDP broadcast polls via a UDP 1037 by default. You can change this UDP port to a custom port: Example: /ServerUDPPort=1062
/ListenUDPPort=port number
After the Server received the broadcast poll by the Client, the Server answers back the TCP address and TCP port via a UDP 1036. You can change this UDP port to a custom port: Example: /ListenUDPPort=1035
/license=XXXX
You can optionally register the PhraseExpress Client locally by passing the separate Single-User(!) Edition license key via the command-line parameter /license=XXXX (whereas XXXX is a valid license key). Make sure to use a individual license key for each installation. PhraseExpress Network Edition license keys will not work. This parameter is only for automated deployment of the Single-User Edition.
/NETWORK
/LOG /LOG="filename"
Causes Setup to create a log file in the user's TEMP directory detailing file installation and actions taken during the installation process. This can be a helpful debugging aid. For example, if you suspect a file isn't being replaced when you believe it should be (or vice versa), the log file will tell you if the file was really skipped, and why. The log file is created with a unique name based on the current date. (It will not overwrite or append to existing files.). The information contained in the log file is technical in nature and therefore not intended to be understandable by end users. Nor is it designed to be machine-parseable; the format of the file is subject to change without notice.
/NOCANCEL
Prevents the user from cancelling during the installation process, by disabling the Cancel button and ignoring clicks on the close button. Useful along with '/SILENT'.
/NOCONFIG
Disables any configuration options in the Client before it connects to the PhraseExpress Server the first time.
/NORESTART
/RESTARTEXITCODE=exit code
Specifies the custom exit code that Setup is to return when a restart is needed. Useful along with '/NORESTART'
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The Setup program may return one of the following exit codes: 0 Setup was successfully run to completion. 1 Setup failed to initialize. 2 The user clicked Cancel in the wizard before the actual installation started, or chose "No" on the opening "This will install" message box. 3 A fatal error occurred while preparing to move to the next installation phase (for example, from displaying the pre-installation wizard pages to the actual installation process). This should never happen except under the most unusual of circumstances, such as running out of memory or Windows resources. 4 A fatal error occurred during the actual installation process. Note: Errors that cause an Abort-Retry-Ignore box to be displayed are not fatal errors. If the user chooses Abort at such a message box, exit code 5 will be returned. 5 The user clicked Cancel during the actual installation process, or chose Abort at an Abort-RetryIgnore box. 6 The Setup process was forcefully terminated by the debugger (Run | Terminate was used in the IDE). Before returning an exit code of 1, 3, or 4, an error message explaining the problem will normally be displayed.
/LOADINF="filename"
Instructs Setup to load the settings from the specified file after having checked the command line. This file can be prepared using the '/SAVEINF=' command as explained below. Don't forget to use quotes if the filename contains spaces.
/SAVEINF="filename"
Instructs Setup to save installation settings to the specified file. Don't forget to use quotes if the filename contains spaces.
/DIR="x:\dirname"
Overrides the default directory name displayed on the Select Destination Location wizard page. A fully qualified pathname must be specified.
/GROUP="folder name"
Overrides the default folder name displayed on the Select Start Menu Folder wizard page.
Specifies a list of tasks that should be initially selected or deselected. To deselect a task, prefix its name with a "!" character. Only the specified tasks (and their children) will be selected; the rest will be deselected. Example: If you do not want PhraseExpress in the StartUp folder, but with activated network, sample phrase file and context menu integration, then launch the PhraseExpress installer with the command-line parameter /TASKS="!userstartupicon,network,installsamplefile,contextmenuintegration".
Uninstalling PhraseExpress
Video instruction To uninstall PhraseExpress, right-click the PhraseExpress task tray icon and select Exit. Then, launch the uninstaller by clicking Start Programs PhraseExpress Uninstall PhraseExpress Before removing PhraseExpress from your computer, make sure to deregister your license key from the installation which allows you reusing the license key for another installation. If the Uninstaller tells that PhraseExpress is still running while there is no PhraseExpress tray icon visible, then strike CTRL - SHIFT - ESC to open the task manager, switch to the tab Processes, highlight the process 'phraseexpress.exe' and end the process.
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PhraseExpress Troubleshooting
If PhraseExpress doesn't work properly, check these steps first: Is PhraseExpress actually running? Check if the program icon is visible in the lower right of the Windows system tray. If not, click the Windows Start button in the lower left of your task tray Programs PhraseExpress PhraseExpress. If you still cannot find a task tray icon, it may be hidden by Windows. Windows 7 introduced a feature that hides task tray icons by default. Change the task tray icon setting so that the PhraseExpress icon is always shown in the tray as it displays important program status information (video tutorial). If the PhraseExpress tray icon is gray-colored, it is temporarily disabled (see chapter "Temporarily disable PhraseExpress"). Minimize the PhraseExpress main program window as PhraseExpress only works if it is minimized to the tray. Check if any PhraseExpress dialog window is hidden under other windows. You need to close any such dialog. Close any program that may process keyboard input or the clipboard (other Clipboard Managers, Autotext utilities or special Multimedia keyboard drivers) to isolate incompatibility issues with such programs. If the ENTER or TAB key is blocked on your computer, disable the expert option "Route ENTER and TAB through PhraseExpress" (more info). Make sure that no "security" program such "Antivirus/AntiSpyware"-software is blocking the keyboard hook of PhraseExpress. Test PhraseExpress in Windows Editor or Wordpad to isolate any issue with any particular target program. Windows Vista/7/8 introduced security mechanisms that allow you to launch programs as a "normal user" or with "admin privileges". Programs of different privileges cannot "see" each other and PhraseExpress cannot paste text if it is launched with user rights while the target application is launched with admin privileges. Please make sure that PhraseExpress is running with the same privileges as the target application. You can launch programs with admin privilegs by clicking the program icon with the right mouse button and select "Run as Administrator". If above suggestions do not help to resolve the issue, please check one of the following hints covering common issues:
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this case right-click the folder and activate the Autotext/Hotkey feature. Have you altered any of the expert options? In this case, try to resolve the issue by reverting the options to their default settings. Right-click into the Autotext input field in PhraseExpress and select Revert to default settings. Create a new phrase and define an Autotext for it. If this phrase is executed then it seems that the Autotext configuration of the non-working phrase is not correct.
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Text prediction Advanced. If the dictionary file words.pal has been set as read-only, then PhraseExpress does not learn new sentences and naturally cannot suggest unknown phrases. The text prediction feature is generally disabled for Asian languages.
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