DepthKey is a Extension that displays and changes the mode (screen depth) of Mac monitors. It eliminates the trek to the Monitors cdev when you need to change a monitor’s screen depth, typically to view an image in millions of colors, or scroll through a source code window in black and white. Being an Extension, DepthKey lets you do this from within any application or Desk Accessory (DA) by a combination of keystrokes. DepthKey supports 32-Bit QuickDraw’s direct color modes, and is compatible with MultiFinder, A/UX 2.0, System 7.1, and QuickTime. It's been tested on a slew of Macs, including PowerBooks and the Quadra 840AV. Depthkey requires a Color Macintosh.
To use DepthKey, drag it to the System Folder and reboot your Macintosh. To trigger DepthKey type Command-Shift-T. When you trigger DepthKey, it displays the current bit depth on each monitor hooked to a color Mac. If you do nothing, this display disappears in about five seconds. If you’re in a hurry, you can press a key to “dismiss” this display. During the interval that the depth display is present, you can move the mouse pointer to desired monitor and either: 1) hold down the mouse button, or 2) type a Command-key sequence. For a mouse down, a popup menu appears that shows the various screen modes that this monitor’s display board supports. Note also that this menu displays the Command-key sequences for each bit depth. If you chose a different bit depth and release the mouse button, then that monitor’s mode is changed to the new selection. If you type the appropriate Command-key sequence, (for example, holding down the Command key while typing the digit 8 changes the monitor’s depth to 8 bits/pixel, or 256 colors) the display will change to the new bit depth without the popup menu ever appearing. In either case, only the chosen monitor’s mode is affected. These changes are not permanent; when you reboot, the Mac’s screens will be set to the bit depths defined by the Monitors cdev.
Sorry, there’s no way to change the key sequence that calls up DepthKey at this time. I am working on a Control Panel version that will allow you to configure this and other features. Give me a holler on the E-mail addresses posted below if you’re interested in this future version.
DepthKey is shareware; the fee is $5. I retain all rights to it. You may freely distribute DepthKey, providing that you do not modify the code or data in DepthKey. You must also include, and not modify, this documentation. Bulletin boards and on-line services may distribute DepthKey, as long as they do not make a profit from it. Non-profit user groups such as BCS and BMUG may also distribute DepthKey on disks as part of a software library, charging up to $5 for reasonable distribution costs. However, those companies that sell shareware/freeware disks for profit must seek permission in writing. Please send $5, payable in U.S funds, to:
Overpriced Software
P.O. Box 216
Peterborough, NH 03458
I'd appreciate any comments (good or bad), or suggestions for improvements or new features. And, of course, bug reports (arrgggghhhh!). Contact me on the following on-line services:
America Online: Cthulu
AppleLink: T.THOMPSON
BIX: tom_thompson
GEnie: TTHOMPSON
Internet: tom_thompson@bix.com
Disclaimer
This software is provided “as is” without any warranty of any kind, and the author and distributor expressly disclaim all implied warranties, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The entire risk as the results and performance of this software and written materials is assumed by you.
The DepthKey archive consists of the following files:
Read Me: The file you’re reading now. It contains a condensed summary of instructions for using DepthKey.
