QuicKeys for OS X

[karavite]

I have been a big fan of QuicKeys for years. In fact, I wonder why Apple just didn't buy them up years ago and make it part of the OS. For those of you who aren't familiar with QuicKeys, it allows users to EASILY set up keyboard shortcuts to run everything from simple text strings, menu selections, launch applications or run macros that can even call an apple script, be logic based (if, then ...) and reply mouse movements. In addition, you can combine all these functions into sequences in order to perform common though complex routines via a single keyboard command. On top of that - it is smart. You can set up your QuicKey top run only in certain applications or everywhere.

Though it can be a little quirky, QuicKeys alone can handle any complaints that the Mac is too "mousey." If you are dedicated enough, you could use QuicKeys along with various Mac system prefs to make your mac completely usable without a mouse (well, almost).

I am not a programmer or guru like many people here, but I don't think QuicKeys ease of use should make it less desirable to even the most savvy Mac person. I began using QuicKeys as an essential tool in some work I did with people who are physically disabled and had trouble using a mouse. From looking at computers from the perspective of someone who cannot use a mouse (or see), you soon realize that many interface characteristics are just plain inefficient whether you are disabled or not. At the same time, we are all different and have different ideas on how we like to work or work best. QuicKeys is a very useful tool, maybe the most useful too, in making your Mac work the way you want it to.

The OS X version was the first OS X software I actually paid for. I have to say I am not happy with the new interface - in terms of functionality. It still allows me to do almost anything I could with Classic QuicKeys, but it is kind of weird. They almost had it perfect in their last Classic version, and it may just be me not dealing with change well, but it doesn't seem to conform to any standard - OS X or otherwise. Perhaps new users won't find it too strange, but either way, it is worth trying out the demo version.

Examples of just a few QuicKeys I use:
Typing my signature, email address, name, the date... in any application.
Launching commonly used apps from Adium to Word.
Copying selected text from anywhere, opening TexEdit and then reading the text to me via TexEdits speech functions (all with one keystroke).
Performing repeated file conversions in Photoshop.
Creating multiple versions of an image for web page rollovers in Photoshop, And my favorite - perform a Paste-Special as text in Word since they (MS) don't even offer a shortcut for paste special and the default is always something I don't want!