Review of QuickKeys



Author: W. Gary Hostetler, M.U.D. Slinger

Date: October November, 1992

Keywords: software utility macro review program macros 

Text:
QuicKeys* by CE Software is a utility that generates keyboard shortcuts
and macros. It sells for around $95 and is well worth the price. It
currently comes in an environmentally conscious box with no
shrink-wrap. The most recent version includes several new programs and
extensions that make QuicKeys* a lot more versatile than in previous
versions.
QuicKeys* basic function is to take a couple of keystrokes and turn
them into macros, or, as CE Software calls them, Shortcuts. QuicKeys*
can be used to launch any file, application, printer, network, file
server, desk accessory, or just about anything that you can think of
just by pressing a couple of keys. The shortcut can be as short as one
command, such as opening a file, or the shortcut can be long such as
the 37 steps I use for my PostScript interpreter.
The first program that runs after QuicKeys* is installed is Instant
QuicKeys*. This program has predefined shortcuts that you can use or
you may define your own keystrokes. I should warn you that you should
be ready for your keystroke strategies before you begin. You do not
have to select everything the first time; you can run the program
again. When you do open QuicKeys* these keyboard shortcuts will be in
QuicKeys* itself. The shortcuts can also be accessed from the SoftKeys
menu that uses the ten digit keys on the keyboard and the Quick
Reference card under the Apple menu.
What are some QuicKeys* uses? I use a keyboard shortcut to print my
return address labels. When invoked, the QuicKey has MacLabelPro open
my address file, prints it and then quits. The word ''QuicKeys*'' used
in this document is done by a keyboard shortcut. I use QuicKeys* to
turn off and on my print spooler, toggle balloon help, change my screen
depth, print documents, and change printers. QuicKeys* can be used to
log onto Compu-serve, leave and retrieve messages, then log off, all
automatically in the middle of the night.
You generate a shortcut by telling QuicKeys* to start recording. You
then proceed with whatever action or actions you want. When you are
finished, just stop recording: the QuicKeys* screen comes up where you
can title your new macro, give it the key-strokes you want, or edit the
steps. Invariably, you will have to add pauses and wait controls into
your sequence, because QuicKeys* will want to run faster than your
computer. The editing box allows you to add pauses, as well as many
other extensions.
Another program included is QK Icons. As the name implies, it gives you
a mini-application of any QuicKey shortcut. Once it's an icon, you can
leave it on the desktop wherever you want or you can put it in the
Apple menu. To change printers just double-click the icon and it
automatically changes the printer or you can drag and drop your
document to print to a selected printer.
QuicKeys* was easy to install. However, the manuals need to be
consolidated (I am sure the manual is currently being rewritten). It
ran fine on my LC and does not consume much memory. You must read the
manuals, as well as The Little QuicKeys Book by Steve Roth and Don
Sellars, published by Peachpit Press (1-800-283-9444). QuicKeys* is
32-bit clean and System-7-savvy, including balloon help. It also
includes CEIAC, which helps implement interappli-cation communications
(IAC) between applications. This is  great product. I use it constantly
and enthusiastically.

Copyright © october november, 1992 by W. Gary Hostetler, M.U.D. Slinger