Typinator 4.0 adds QuickSearch for locating text snippets
updated 05:55 pm EDT, Tue May 4, 2010
New version improves Snow Leopard support
Ergonis has launched an update to its text expansion software, Typinator 4. The application automates the insertion of whole blocks of text or commonly used phrases while auto-correcting typing errors. Typinator has thousands of predefined corrections for typical typing errors and misspellings, supporting U.S. and British English, German and French. It replaces a predetermined abbreviation with a whole phrase, graphic, URL, date or image. It also auto-corrects typing across all applications system wide.
The major new feature of v4.0 is QuickSearch, which acts as a Spotlight-style search for Typinator text references. Users run a search for a phrase or text string and a set of matches from Typinator's database will pop up. Selecting one of the results immediately drops it into the current cursor location. The feature is aimed at power users who have numerous text snippets, bypassing the memorization of hundreds of abbreviations.
Version 4.0 also adds an option to globally enable or disable individual sets. there are speed enhancements and Snow Leopard compatibility improvements. Version 4.0 also increases compatibility with Mellel, Nisus Writer Pro and offers smoother synchronization via Dropbox or Mobile Me.
Typinator 4.0 requires Mac OS X 10.4 but 10.6 is recommended. It costs $20 for a single user license, and $30 for a five-pack family license.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Good software
I have used Typinator for years and consider it to be good, unobtrusive, well-executed software. For heavy forum posters like me, type expanders like this one are invaluable.
Upgrades from previous versions appear to be $9.99, unless you bought less than two years ago, in which case it should be free (not 100% clear on their page yet).
There are other type expanders out there, you should try a few and decide which one's best for you. I've enjoyed Typinator and plan to keep it (I don't have to upgrade right now, so I may wait a little while), but YMMV.