Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated Monday, May 8, 2006

Does TypeIt4Me work as a Universal Binary on the new Intel Macs?

Version 3.0, currently available as a public beta, does work on Intel Macs. Like version 2.3, it requires 10.3 as a minimum and works best with Tiger 10.4.x.

Does TypeIt4Me work under OS X 10.4 Tiger as well as 10.3 Panther?

Yes, TypeIt4Me 2.3, released January 2006 works fine under both Tiger AND Panther. However, it no longer supports 10.2 Jaguar, sorry. If you are still on 10.2, you can download an older version of TypeIt4Me here.

Does TypeIt4Me work under Classic as well as OS X?

Yes, but you need to install a different version under each system (the latest version for Classic is 4.8.2).

Can I use an abbreviations file created with the Classic version in the OS X version?

Yes, and if you switch back and forth between X and Classic, you can share one and the same abbreviations file and even edit it on either side.

I have TWO TypeIt4Me icons showing in the Input Menu, how do I get rid of one?

You probably have an old copy of TypeIt4Me.component lurking in ~/Library/Components. Try simply dragging it to the Trash. If you get a message saying you are not allowed, then open Terminal (in Applications/Utilities) and type or paste this command:

sudo rm -dfr "~/Library/Components/TypeIt4Me.component/"

You will be prompted to enter your Password, which is the one you assigned to yourself when you first installed OS X.

Why do I have to reselect TypeIt4Me every time I log in or restart?

This problem should ONLY affect non-US keyboard users running Jaguar. It should NOT be a problem with TypeIt4Me 2.0 or greater under Panther or Tiger.

Why doesn't Word append the space that triggered the expansion?

You need to turn the Use smart cut and paste option off in Word's Preferences, under Edit

Why doesn't Mail append the space that triggered the expansion?

This problem appeared with the version of Mail shipping with Tiger. It seems to be an issue in Mail itself as reported by other developers. One work-around is to type a space right at the beginning of a new mail document and press the left arrow to move the insertion point just before it then proceed to type normally.

How can I avoid losing the first one or two characters after the expansion?

Type slower (only joking!;-)). This problem should no longer occur with the latest TypeIt4Me.

How many different data files can I have?

As many as you care to define and will fit on your disk.

Why have many different data files?

Some users like to have different sets of abbreviations for use at different times or in different applications.

How many entries can be added to each file?

A little over 2,700. However, a large number of entries will tend to slow things down a little and bringing up the Edit entries… dialog will take a fairly long time.

How long can an entry be?

Entries (i.e. the text that is typed when you type an abbreviation and a trigger) can be up to 32,000 characters long.

How long can an entry name (i.e. the abbreviation) be?

Abbreviations should not exceed 50 characters. Also, if you later want an entry to expand automatically as you type its abbreviation, make sure the abbreviation does not contain any of the trigger characters (as chosen by you via the Preferences… dialog).

Why don't you have an answer to MY question?

Feel free to email it to me and I'll do my best to answer it (but be aware that at busy times, I may not be able to reply for several days).