Filed under: Developer, Text, Windows, Productivity, Commercial, Freeware
PhraseExpress is so much more than an autotext app
by Lee Mathews Nov 30th 2008 at 10:00AM
Apart from point and click insertion of pre-defined text and auto-completion of recognized words and phrases, Phrase Express packs a clipboard monitor, macro support, and system-wide spell check.
Though the settings window presents only two buttons - new folder and new phrase - you're able to do a whole lot more than add commonly used text. PhraseExpress' included macros provide a wide array of powerful functions, including:
- launching external applications
- changing window focus
- opening files, folders, and web pages
- trimming, formatting, and replacing text
- embedding autotext suggestions
- time and date stamping
- inserting Windows environment variables
PhraseExpress can be installed, or you can download the portable version and extract it to your USB flash drive. It's free for personal use and $49.95 to register for commercial use. There's also a network edition that allows groups to access a shared library that runs $44.95 (or less, based on volume) per seat.
If you're already using PhraseExpress, share your experience. If you don't, what apps do you use (if anything) to handle these tasks?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Xyrill said 12:12PM on 11-30-2008
Looks like a promising software. I'll check it out right now.
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Ace Boudreau said 2:05PM on 11-30-2008
Easiest way to save keystrokes when "writing" is the MS Word Autocorrect feature. Load it up with keyboard shortcuts. Second easiest is Word 2007's Quick parts, which admittedly, could be faster.
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El Struthio said 3:29PM on 11-30-2008
I use Windows Powerpro - http://powerpro.webeddie.com/ - and have done for years. I've tried others but always go back to Powerpro. In addition to macros and snippets it does a whole host of other stuff too including toolbars, sticky notes, reminders, scripting support, clipboard management, multiple desktops, a wallpaper changer and so-on.
It's also VERY light on resources about 2 meg of memory on my system
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Alcadema said 5:48PM on 11-30-2008
I like PhraseExpress, and I've used it before (I still keep a copy on flash drive), but I use AutoHotkey more than anything now. AutoHotkey can do all that PhraseExpress can and more, though there is a little more of a learning curve.
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Andrea Nagar said 1:56AM on 12-01-2008
Have you checked Direct Access at http://www.nagarsoft.com ?
We are about to release v.2.0 in December and it offers a very intuitive user interface, easy commands search and filtering and quick commands sharing among different PCs (without requiring a server and extra licenses)
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John Corresto said 6:56AM on 12-04-2008
Oh no. Comment spam! Shame on you, Andrea.
I used Direct Access in the past but switched to PhraseExpress as it outperforms easily.
Let's do a comparison:
1. Direct Access only offers RTF. PhraseExpress offers RTF and HTML(!) support.
2. Add two or three little jpg pictures to Direct Access and the program suffers a slow death. RAM load ramps 150 MB plus, the hard disk is rattling forever and the program gets almost unusable.
3. Direct Access requires .NET which adds an additional 20 MB download and the program launch takes ages.
4. Direct Access has a shinier user interface but the program alone takes 3-4x memory. I want a quick and small utility, not a Diva which sucks up my CPU and RAM. Direct Access feels and actually is bulky.
5. Direct Access's "network feature" consists of a simply network shared file. But simple network shares cause write collisions and data loss if more than one user is changing contents and will suffer data loss. There is a good reason why PhraseExpress uses a Client-/Server model.
6. Last but not least, Direct Access will cost 50 $ while AutoHotkey and PhraseExpress is free for home users.
No, thanks Spammy Andrea
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Scott said 3:50PM on 12-08-2008
Can't vouch for the product, and I'm no fan of comment spam, but I think Andrea was reasonably clear at least when she indicated that she worked for Nagarsoft (We are about to release...). I'd be more concerned if she posted a link and indicated that it was an objective referral. And the product is related...
Anyway, there are worse crimes, and the author probably didn't deserve anywhere near the criticism she received.
Jim said 8:13AM on 12-01-2008
+1 PhraseExpress. It's really a great time saver.
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Andrea Nagar said 2:30PM on 12-01-2008
I'm sorry John,
but I really don't understand your offensive comments (not to mention the not very polite email you sent me).
I haven't spammed at all. I just mentioned Direct Access as a software that does text expansion as other users mentioned other software.
So I really don't understand your point and why you have been so abusive.
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Geir said 2:39PM on 12-01-2008
I can't comment on what John e-mailed you as I haven't seen it, but it wasn't nice of you to push your product that carries a fee with no mention of that fact (no, 30-day trial doesn't address that). So I would classify this as self-inflicted. If you pointed out that you weren't an objective source and that the product had a price, then I am sure John and everyone else would treat you better.
Anyway, I have tried AutoHotkey, but small bugs annoyed me so much that I will give PhraseExpress a try. It can be a real timesaver in many situations, and although I am not scared of the steep learning curve of AutoHotkey I do like things that is easy to get going too.
Dennis said 4:24PM on 12-01-2008
Andrea, not to defend John but your posting smells like unsolicited self-promotion.
You may be better advised to simply enlist your software the traditional way rather than trying to live on other product's success.
Hope this helps.
Dennis
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