The MenuKey INIT is a very small program which, when loaded at bootup, will show a small template whenever the command-key is being held down. This can help users becoming accustomed to a new package to learn command-key menu options without having to search the menus themselves. If you have used MenuKey before, check the Changes/Fixes since 1.0 section to get a brief overview of changes in 1.1.
Using MenuKey
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MenuKey is configured by using the Control Panel. You can set the delay time, startup options, and sort order, along with applications which MenuKey should "exempt" from interaction.
The delay time is the number of seconds that should pass after the command key is pressed before MenuKey displays the key template. You can adjust this to your preference, but 1-2 seconds should be fine in most circumstances.
The sort order will affect if items are shown sorted by the text of the menu items, or the command keys assigned to the menu items. For version 1.1, the default is menu text, but this can be changed at any time.
If you find applications that MenuKey is incompatible with, or programs you don't need MenuKey to assist you, you can exempt the application. Click the Exempt Application button, locate the application, and presto! MenuKey will now ignore the application. You can set up to 32 exempt applications. If you have an exempt application shown in the list, then want to "reactivate" MenuKey for that application, click on the application in the list, then press the backspace key or choose Clear from the Edit menu. This will remove the application from the exempt list.
Once you make your changes, you MUST reboot before they take effect!
To use MenuKey, simply hold down the command key before pressing any other key. If you hold down the key for longer than the delay time you set, then MenuKey will display a template of all the enabled command-key menu items. This is also nice because you don't have to look through all the disabled items that you can't choose anyway. If you see the item you want in the list, simply press the command-key you normally would, and MenuKey will activate the command. MenuKey will only activate itself if the command-key is the only modifier being held -- holding down command along with option, shift, or control will not activate MenuKey.
As an example, if you wanted to choose Copy from the Edit menu, hold down the command-key for over one second. MenuKey will show the list of available items. If Copy is available, while continuing to hold the command key, press C. Command-C will then be sent to the frontmost application/desk accessory.
If you are a power user in most of your applications, simply make your command-key choices in under the delay time, and MenuKey will stay out of your way.
Known Incompatabilities
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I've tested MenuKey on a Mac Plus, SE/30, and IIfx. I am not sure how it fares on all models, but the three I have tested on should represent most of the family. MenuKey has been tested with system version 6.0.5 and 6.0.7 only.
I have found that programs that do not use the toolbox to track their menu items are not compatible with MenuKey. When I say "not compatible", I do not mean that MenuKey or your application will crash. In the worst case, MenuKey will simply report that their are no menu items available to choose. This happens, unfortunately, with Microsoft Word, since Microsoft does not use the standard Menu Manager methods of tracking command-key items (if anyone from Microsoft cares to clue me in on where this information is stored, I'd like to know). Even if MenuKey pops up, just make your command-key choice as always and Word will take action on it with no problems.
Besides Microsoft Word, the only other program that I have tried that has problems is with freehand graphics programs, such as MacPaint, FreeHand, and Illustrator. Since these programs treat the command-key as an action key with certain tools, you may want to exempt these applications, or simply set the delay time higher so you can use the command-key for X seconds before being interrupted.
Outside of that, the only know truly "incompatible" programs are listed below:
Microphone II version 2.0
Disclaimer
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MenuKey is free to enjoy and pass around, as long as my name, address, and copyright information remain intact. You may not charge any fee for MenuKey, except for certain downloading charges from CompuServe, Genie, AOL, or Connect. MenuKey may not be distributed commercially as part of any package or collection without the consent of the author.
Since MenuKey is free, it is totally provided AS IS. You assume all risks in using MenuKey, and the author will not be responsible for any damage or loss of data due to using MenuKey.
Future thoughts
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I can only make improvements to MenuKey if I get feedback on what you want. Send me email at the above addresses, or mail me a postcard with your thoughts. If there is enough interest, MenuKey could be around for awhile!
Changes/fixes since 1.0
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• cdev interface now allows setting of various options
• MenuKey will not activate itself if the command-key is held in conjunction with another modifier key, such as option, control, or shift.
• Fixed bug which caused long menu items to get truncated on right side
• Fixed bug which caused MenuKey to immediately pop-up if command key was held and release before delay time was met
• Exempt applications can now be specified for MenuKey to ignore
Version History
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1.1, 27-Feb-91 - Introduced cdev interface for MenuKey. Options include ability to set delay time, sort order, startup icon, on/off, and exempt applications. Bug fixes as listed in release notes.
