Posts tagged "windows"

Screen clipping + (Outlook, IMGUR,Local file…)

Screen Clipping

I use this AutoHotKey screen clipping script at least a dozen times a day. I think most people SHOULD be using it that often but don’t realize how useful it can be. This video walks through a few examples of how I use it. Get the newest version here

At a high level- here are it’s strengths:

Incredibly easy to create a clip and leave it on the screen (then discard easily)
API integration with IMGURimage upload
Writes Outlook email and attaches it automatically (including time stamp and custom email)
Saves file as local png and places path to file on clipboard (so you can paste in anywhere- makes uploading to Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. a breeze)
Can easily save png file to desktop using timestamp for name

The script (and commentary) can be found on the AutoHotKey forum here. I’ve also included the AutoHotKey code below.

If you wish to leverage the IMUGR upload you’ll want to check out this video and create an account here so you can get your own oAuth token.

Use AutoHotkey to get path from Explorer & replace w/UNC path for sharing

Use AutoHotkey to get Path from explorer and sharefull path with others

Working on multiple computers, in multiple environments, and with teams of people can be a challenge when wanting to share files.

I have quite a few network folders that I’ve “mapped” so they look like drives. This always causes issues when copying the path and sharing with others. I also have a “b:” drive that I’ve created which, in reality, is a shortcut to the root of where my DropBox folder is located.

The 1st thing I’m going to recommend is that you backup your registry!!! After doing so, navigate to this key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\DOS Devices

Then right click on the right and create a new String. This is where you’ll put in the letter of the drive you want (for instance I put in B: ). After you’ve done that, right click on the B: and add the path to the folder you want mapped. Here’s an example “\??\C:\\Dropbox\test\” Please note the second \ after the c:\ It is not a typo! For some weird reason you need two there however everywhere else after you just need one!

The next time you boot up you’ll have the new drive (this isn’t creating any sort of copies of files, it is merely giving you a convenient shortcut to a folder) Here’s a screenshot of my settings.

Mapping network drives are easy and you can follow this guide here.

Okay, now that we’re done setting up our computer, let’s get to the AutoHotkey script

Copy Path from explorer and replace with UNC (for sharing and to get around security issues)

Here’s a video demonstrating getting the Path from explorer

Keyboard shortcuts for launching programs- Start any program with 1 click

Keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can be a great time saver (especially for specific programs, folders, actions) that you do dozens of times a day.

Over a decade ago I put the below file together documenting the most frequently used Windows / Office shortcuts

MS word file great keyboard shortcuts

Now-a-days AutoHotKey to create my own shortcuts (of which I have over 100 which do various activities by a simple click of the key/button.) AutoHotKey has a function for this called Hotkeys which are a great way to launch programs / scripts /folders that you use frequently.

This video walks through how easy it is to set up hotkeys to launch programs, scripts, etc.

Use DropBox to keep the same desktop on multiple computers

I work / use a total of 5 different computers however, by using DropBox, I have one desktop on multiple computers. This saves me a ton of time trying to make sure I keep my files stored in the same place. By moving your desktop under your DropBox folder, you can easily keep them synced.