CNET Editors' review
PhraseExpress AutoText combines autocomplete with macros in one versatile free tool that can type phrases, sentences, and other text automatically when the program detects certain keystrokes or manually via hot keys. Its AutoText feature lets you designate abbreviations for frequently used words and phrases such as your address. When you type the abbreviation, PhraseExpress automatically enters the expanded text.
The central access point for PhraseExpress is the program's system tray icon. Here we could open the settings page as well as enter new phrases, access the last used entry, and clear the clipboard cache. We opened the settings, which actually consists of two pages: a main page for managing phrases and folders and a more detailed page of options that we could access via the Tools menu. On this second page, we could configure everything from pop-up behavior to expert options such as delays and advanced text prediction settings. We could also choose audio files for system sounds, configure network proxy settings, and set paste and e-mail delivery methods.
But we wanted to know how PhraseExpress worked, so we clicked New Phrase and entered a description, phrase, and hot key choice in the main Settings page. Our first hot key choice was taken by another program, but our second was accepted. We opened Word and started typing, and then pressed our hot key. PhraseExpress typed the full phrase quickly. In this way, we were able to configure a variety of commonly used phrases and data fields, like home and work addresses, phone numbers, and disclaimers. The AutoText feature will be familiar to anyone who has used autocomplete, but PhraseExpress offers several useful options, including manual confirmation, delimiters, and expert options. A Web-based manual offered detailed instructions as well as tips. All in all, PhraseExpress proved quite a useful and capable tool, and one that we're likely not only to keep but also to use.
Publisher's Description
From Bartels Media:
PhraseExpress eliminates repetitive typing and manages frequently used text snippets in customizable categories. Boilerplate templates can be stored together with bitmaps and RTF or HTML text formatting. The unique text prediction feature watches out for repetitive text patterns and offers to auto-complete such phrases. Smart algorithms analyze and learn your writing patterns, and suggest the most relevant ways to complete phrases and sentences. The Autotext feature allows assigning a frequently used text such as your address, your signature or a common phrase to a much shorter abbreviation. Whenever you type in the assigned abbreviation PhraseExpress will automatically replace it with the original text. For example, "ty" will be expanded to "thank you very much. Existing MS Office AutoCorrect entries can be imported for use in any Windows program, not just MS Office. PhraseExpress automatically recognizes unwanted Autotexts and suppresses the text replacement the next time you enter the Autotext.
The Clipboard Cache enhances the native Windows clipboard functionality by remembering all items that are copied to the clipboard and storing them for later pasting. PhraseExpress can optionally remove any text formatting from the clipboard contents. Powerful macro functions can add dynamic contents to static phrases such as the current date, counters or additional manual input. Phrases can be linked or nested. Macros can also launch programs or open documents triggered by shortcuts. Entering 'calc' may open the Windows calculator program or striking the hotkey CTRL-F8 may offer a Google search query of a highlighted text on-the-fly. This keyboard macro utility is fully-functional and free-of-charge for personal users. The optional Network Edition provides the PhraseExpress functionality in a company network with a professional Client-/Server architecture. A separate USB installer allows to run PhraseExpress from USB memory devices.
What's new in this version: Version 8.0.152 improves minor things and statistics can be disabled in the free edition.
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All versions:
4.0 starsout of 109 votes
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Current version:
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My rating:
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"Good if you have the time to review the manual."
Version: PhraseExpress 8.0.148
Pros
It seems to be a full-featured program with many different options.
Cons
It has so many bells and whistles, I don't know where to start. I might as well stick to macros in Word.
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"Phrase Express Review"
Version: PhraseExpress 8.0.148
Pros
Helps to shorten the length of time it takes to do routine emails, allowing me to create and use boilerplate phrases.
Cons
If I adjust a phrase once it has been inserted, the software "learns" that it was a bad use of the phrase - not necessarily the case, when I am only personalizing it.
Summary
Very helpful tool, one that makes you wonder why it wasn't already included on your computer!
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"Terrific Tool!"
Version: PhraseExpress 8.0.148
Pros
As I've gradually added e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, etc. I've come to realize how useful this program can be. With it I can avoid a LOT of repetitive typing. I also use it to enter long paragraphs of instructions as I work with Boy Scout leaders. Using keyboard shortcuts to plug in phrases and paragraphs is much easier than searching for relevant instructional files, or cutting and pasting from files.
Cons
It takes a little time and planning to configure the program for my specific needs. But then, what useful tool does not require that?
Summary
I would want this program even if I had to pay for it! It is proof that "the Best things in Life are free"! Thank you Bartels Media GmbH and the Phrase Express Team!
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"Good product and free!"
Version: PhraseExpress 8.0.147
Pros
Free for home use, it saves you from repetitive typing and you can open webpages and email clients, etc using hot keys. It works with MS Word and Open Office, so it's versatile.
Cons
None really.
Summary
I regard this as an essential program.
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"Easy to use. Works well cross-platform."
Version: PhraseExpress 8.0.143
Pros
The application stays out of the way with no nagging. Simple to understand.
Cons
I would prefer that the text simply appear instead of "typing out". However, it does load quickly and actually looks cooler than simply appearing.
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"The best text replacer"
Version: PhraseExpress 8.0.134
Pros
Definitely a keeper. Easy to use and helps a lot.
Cons
Paid version expensive but worth the money.
Summary
Great time-saver. Love the inline math expression calculator in particular
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"A very sophisticated shortcut tool"
Version: PhraseExpress 8.0.134
Pros
This has more power than I'm ever likely to use but that may be a good thing. I don't type very well and I hate this keyboard so anything that saves keystrokes is my friend. Phrase Express can turn a few keystrokes into volumes.
Cons
Back in the early days of PE it was easy to code 'trigger" words that expanded into something much larger. Lately, that seems to have gone away but I haven't tried it in a while. It's very complex and probably overkill for my purposes.
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"easy pasting"
Version: PhraseExpress 8.0.134
Pros
simple installation and use
Cons
I have found no cons
Summary
I must have on every pc.
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"Handy time-saver"
Version: PhraseExpress 8.0.133
Pros
Works well
Has no noticeable impact on performance
Highly configurableCons
You have to put in quite a lot of effort to get the full benefits
Summary
If you are willing to put some effort in at first it will save you lots of time thereafter
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"This truly is a GEM!"
Version: PhraseExpress 8.0.133
Pros
What a time saver. It automates your typing so you don't have to. Works like a champ. And it's free. Awesome.
Cons
No findings so far.
Summary
This software is a must. I also want it for my Mac Powerbook.
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