AutoScrap is a desk accessory intended to be a replacement for the Apple Scrapbook DA. AutoScrap gives you all the features of the original Scrapbook, plus a few new ones, making the Scrapbook a truly powerful tool. The demo version of AutoScrap is limited to supporting the first three items in a scrapbook.
AutoScrap is a shareware product. If you use this program, you must register it. In exchange, I will send you a fully functional copy capable of supporting up to 256 scrapbook items. More information on registering the software can be found at the end of this document.
The Scrapbook Concept:
The Macintosh uses a powerful and rather unique method of transferring data between applications and documents. All "standard" Macintosh applications allow the user to cut, copy and paste objects from one context to another. An object copied into the Clipboard can be pasted into another spot in the same document, into a different document or even into a document in another application. The Clipboard, however, will only hold one item at a time. To permit users to access a number of objects and paste any of them into a document, the concept of the Scrapbook was created. The Scrapbook is simply a scrollable window which shows a picture of each item in the Scrapbook File (if a picture of that object is possible). Objects in the Scrapbook can be copied onto the clipboard for use in an application or, conversely, objects copied from an application can be pasted into the Scrapbook.
So what's wrong with the Scrapbook?
The Scrapbook, as useful as it is, has some limitations. Every time an item is to be retrieved from the Scrapbook, it must be opened by selecting it from the Apple menu, its window must be scrolled to the proper place to get at the item you want, then the item must be copied onto the Clipboard, then the Scrapbook is closed and finally the retrieved item is pasted into the document.
AutoScrap automates and expands the use of the Scrapbook in several ways.
In addition, you can designate command key equivalents for these menu items to let you select and paste in anything from the scrapbook file with a single keystroke.
AutoScrap also lets you open scrapbook files other than the default one in the System Folder or create new ones. Separate scrapbook files can be set up for each of your favorite applications, if desired.
AutoScrap can operate in either of two modes: as a menu-based tool as previously mentioned, or window-based, similar to the original Scrapbook.
OK, AutoScrap does more than the old Scrapbook DA, so what?
AutoScrap adds capabilities to applications that can greatly expand their power and convenience.
MacDraw users: Wouldn't it be great to have a "library" of easily accessible pictures and objects to instantly paste into a drawing with just a single keystroke or menu selection? With AutoScrap you've now got it.
MacWrite users: Wouldn't it be nice if MacWrite had the ability to remember common ruler setups and to paste one of these rulers right into your document, instantly, whenever you need it? With AutoScrap it now does.
Business users: Isn't it a nuisance to keep opening up the Scrapbook to get a copy of letterheads, logos and "boiler-plate" paragraphs? With AutoScrap it's now at your fingertips instantly.
OK, I'm convinced. How does it work?
The AutoScrap DA installs just like any other desk accessory with the Font/DA Mover. AutoScrap can be opened in any application that supports desk accessories by selecting "AutoScrap" from the Apple menu.
Opening AutoScrap:
Once opened, AutoScrap attempts to open a file called "Scrapbook File" in the System Folder of the startup disk. This scrapbook file is of the same format as the original Apple Scrapbook File. Any old scrapbook files created with the Scrapbook DA can be used with AutoScrap. AutoScrap will add information to the scrapbook file to remember item names and keyboard commands, but this will not interfere with the operation of the original Scrapbook, if you ever wish to go back and use the scrapbook file with that desk accessory. If no "Scrapbook File" exists in the System Folder, a "blank" one will be created when AutoScrap is opened.
When AutoScrap is ready, it will open a window similar to the Apple Scrapbook. Also, an AutoScrap menu will be added to the menu bar. This menu will initially be drawn in gray and will not be active, since the menu is not needed when the window is open. When the AutoScrap window is no longer the active window, its menu will be activated.
The AutoScrap Window
Although AutoScrap's power comes from its ability to operate without opening up and putting away windows to copy and paste, AutoScrap has a window to let you to set up and configure your scrapbook file(s).
Command key equivalents are set in a similar fashion. These are shortcut ways of invoking the items in the AutoScrap menu. They appear and operate just like command key ( key) equivalents in the other menus (like V for Paste or Q for Quit in many applications). All printable unshifted characters on the keyboard are useable for command key equivalents with the exception of X, C and V. If more than one letter is entered, only the first one will be used. It is the user's responsibility to ensure that any command key equivalents entered do not conflict with those being used by the application. If there is a conflict, generally, AutoScrap will "win" and take priority, but this varies somewhat depending on the application. When satisfied with what you have entered, click the OK button or press Enter or Return.
The AutoScrap menu
AutoScrap can be closed by selecting the Quit item from the menu.
The scrapbook items in the menu
The lower part of the AutoScrap menu contains a list of all the items in the current scrapbook file (up to a maximum of three in the demo version). If you gave these items a name, they will be shown, along with any command key equivalents. Otherwise the menu items will be numbered, starting with "Item 1".
A note for users of older Macintoshes:
I have made every effort to make AutoScrap work with as many applications as possible, however, a small number of applications will not completely support the automatic paste of items from the AutoScrap menu. Generally, these incompatibilities are minor and do not significantly diminish the usefulness of AutoScrap.
MultiFinder supports desk accessories in a different way than the standard Macintosh environment. Instead of running a DA "within" a particular application, all DA's under MultiFinder are run under a "DA Handler". This prevents DA's which need to interact directly with an application (such as AutoScrap or some spelling checkers) from operating properly.
If you have paid your registration fee and are using the complete version, thank you. Please distribute only the demo version, NOT the complete version.
Macintosh type: __________________________________
I got the demo of AutoScrap from: _____________________
Individuals may make as many copies of registered versions of AutoScrap as they want for their own use, and as many copies of the demo version as they want for other people as long as the documentation file is always included with it on copies they make for others.
Any other redistribution of AutoScrap without my express written permission is forbidden.
If you have any problems with AutoScrap, please see the Troubleshooting section first. If you still have a problem, or have any suggestions or comments, feel free to write to me or contact me through GEnie (S.ARMITAGE) or CompuServe (72467,1636).
I have tested AutoScrap with many applications and different machine configurations. However, as with any software, it is virtually impossible to test every possible condition. Accordingly, I can assume no responsibility for errors made, or damage caused, by its use. It comes with no warranty, express or implied. The convenient thing about this software, of course, is that you can fully evaluate it before you decide to buy.
