Keyboard Express is a utility to help automate repetitive computer tasks. In the process it will save time and money.

 

This guide covers a few basic concepts to provide a better understanding of Keyboard Express.

 

To review the Quick Start Guide later, open Keyboard Express and click on Help > Quick Start Guide.

 

Starting Keyboard Express

The default installation of Keyboard Express places a shortcut in the Windows Startup folder.  This action causes Keyboard Express to load every time Windows starts. To open the Keyboard Express window do one of the following:

 

1. Press the system hot key of Ctrl + Up Arrow

 

2. Left click on the Keyboard Express icon in the Windows notification area (system tray).

 

 

 3. If the icon is hidden, left click on the triangle button to show the hidden icons. Left click on the Keyboard Express icon.

 

 

Player and Editor

Keyboard Express is comprised of two main components, the Keyboard Express Player and the Keyboard Express Editor.

 

Keyboard Express Player

The Keyboard Express Player is what executes macros and it must be running in order for macros to play back. When Keyboard Express starts, it is the Player that runs.

 

By default, the Keyboard Express Player shows up as an icon in the system tray (notification area). Invoke the Keyboard Express Editor or shut down the Keyboard Express Player from this icon.

 

Keyboard Express Editor

The Keyboard Express Editor is the tool used to create and edit macros. The Editor cannot be run by itself. The Player needs to be running in order to open the Editor.

 

Macros
A macro is a script containing commands that automate computer tasks. Each command performs one step, such as moving the mouse, launching a program or entering keystrokes. 

 

There are several methods available for creating macros. No programming language or special skills are required or necessary.

 

Record keystrokes with the easy to use Capture process.

Use the Quick Macro Editor to quickly perform a number of Windows functions.

Utilize the Keyboard Express - Editor to write more powerful macros.

 

Macro Playback Options

Play back macros in one of three ways.

 

1.Press a hot key such as Ctrl + R or Alt + F11. Choose from over 840 combinations.

2.Type a shortkey - a short letter combination from 2 to 32 characters.

3.Run the macro on a schedule - hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or practically any other schedule.

 

Files

Macros shown in the Keyboard Express - Explorer window are saved to a .kex macro file. The Explorer window displays the name of the .kex file in use and its location.

 

When the program is first installed, an empty key.kex macro file is created. Create and store macros in this file.

 

Other .mex macro files may also be created for use. Open the Keyboard Express - Explorer window and click on File > New File to create a new file. Or click on File > Open File to load in a file that was previously created and subsequently closed.

 

More Information

Keyboard Express contains extensive help. Access the help by clicking on the Help menu from within Keyboard Express. Or press F1 in any open Keyboard Express window to view that help topic.

 

The tutorial in the Help file walks through the process of creating and running macros. Video tutorials are also available on the keyboardexpress.com web site.