Author Topic: CCCCtrlC - simple multiple clipboard utility (Read 65374 times)

TPReal · « **on:** July 14, 2009, 07:42 AM »

As a part of not-working on my MSc I decided to finally learn AHK and programme myself a little multiple clipboard tool, using an idea which came to my head a long time ago. Now that it works like I want it to work, I thought why not share with you, maybe someone is waiting for this kind of software

Here comes some description of the program:

CCCCtrlC

Simple multiple clipboard utility. Creates any number of additional clipboards
(called cccclipboards) and allows accessing them using normal keyboard shortcuts.

To put it simply

Hold Ctrl+C to select a cccclipboard, and release to copy to it.
Hold Ctrl+V to select a cccclipboard, and release paste from it.

Some more description
If you press Ctrl+C or any other clipboard shortcut (see below) and release it normally (without delay), then the regular clipboard is used for the operation. But if you hold the shortcut for a moment, in the bottom right corner of the screen you will see a clipboard selection info scrolling over cccclipboards. Release the keys and the action will be executed on the currently selected cccclipboard.

Supported clipboard manipulation shortcuts

Ctrl+X, Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V
Shift+Del, Ctrl+Ins, Shift+Ins

Special functions

Ctrl+C+V - display this help
Ctrl+X+C - display cccclipboards list; symbols on the list:
- C - data in cccclipboard
- _ - cccclipboard empty
Ctrl+Ins+X - erase all cccclipboards (does not erase the primary clipboard)
Ctrl+Ins+V - show / hide tray icon (right-click the icon for options)

Cccclipboard selection speed can be customised using command line parameter:
CCCCtrlC.exe initial_interval
where initial_interval is the cccclipboard switch time (the lower the faster, default value is 10 which is pretty fast).

Screenshot
Here I'm holding Ctrl+V. There is some data in cccclipboards number 1, 2, 4 and 6, and the selection is currently at cccclipboard 4. If I release Ctrl+V at this very moment, I'll paste from cccclipboard 4.

Edit on 2018-11-20

The old download link was broken, but I'm just attaching the exe and the source code. I'm not sure what version of AHK it was compiled on, but hopefully it can still compile!

The old exe still works on Windows 10. (Unfortunately I didn't find anything similar, or an easy way to create a similar program, for linux, and now I need to work mostly on linux.)

brotherS · « **Reply #1 on:** July 14, 2009, 07:54 AM »

Wow, sounds interesting! :-) Are you planning to add a search function?

I'm currently using ClipX, but since it sometimes stops adding clipped text to its history I'm more or less searching for an alternative. But I need a search function.

yksyks · « **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2009, 08:04 AM »

... But I need a search function.
-brotherS (July 14, 2009, 07:54 AM)

Good search-as-you-type function has Ditto. The latest beta seems to be quite stable, too.

TPReal · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2009, 10:45 AM »

I'm not planning to add a search option because this program is intended to be as easy to use as possible, and I'm not going to add any GUI to it, save for the tooltip

So probably it's not the tool you're looking for.

brotherS · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2009, 11:13 AM »

Ok, I'll test Ditto - thanks!

cranioscopical · « **Reply #5 on:** July 14, 2009, 11:43 AM »

Thanks for sharing, TPReal!

rjbull · « **Reply #6 on:** July 15, 2009, 04:43 AM »

I'm currently using ClipX, but since it sometimes stops adding clipped text to its history I'm more or less searching for an alternative. But I need a search function.
-brotherS (July 14, 2009, 07:54 AM)

brotherS, if you want a search function, try out ArsClip as well. And, of course, mouser's Clipboard Help+Spell.

mouser · « **Reply #7 on:** August 04, 2009, 12:16 PM »

mentioned on ghacks today

http://www.ghacks.ne...cccctrlc/#more-15028

TPReal · « **Reply #8 on:** August 04, 2009, 12:47 PM »

I think it was noticed because of this post on FreewareWire, and it didn't get there by itself too - I had spoken with Jon, the site's owner. Do you see? I had to find another blog for the program because you didn't put it on DC blog

mouser · « **Reply #9 on:** August 04, 2009, 12:56 PM »

because you didn't put it on DC blog

i apologize -- i missed it.. it's on their now.

no one should hesitate to send me a message if there is something they think should be added to the dc blog that i overlook.

TPReal · « **Reply #10 on:** August 04, 2009, 01:12 PM »

Thanks. Probably I was just too shy

Nod5 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 05, 2009, 03:29 PM »

This is really cool TPReal! Minimalistic and useful. Good work!

I would very rarely have need for more than 4 clipboard items at a single time but for those that do then this hold-wait-release solution might pose a problem: either you speed it up and risk pasting to/copying from the wrong slot or you slow it down but then get annoyed by the wait time. So for 4+ clipboard items I'm thinking that a clickable gui solution, or multiple hotkey solution, could be better.

Do you yourself use it with the default speed? How often do you hit the wrong clipboard slot?

TPReal · « **Reply #12 on:** August 05, 2009, 03:49 PM »

Thanks

The main purpose why I wrote this program was because I didn't like those where you have to click something on the GUI or press multiple keys or a complicated chords to access additional clipboards. So there are surely people who think just the opposite, and then this program is probably not the best choice for them. Also, the number of additional clipboards is not limited by the program but I guess using more than 5 would be a pain. So everything just depends on how you use your clipboard.

I myself use the default timing parameter and successfully hit first and second cccclipboard without looking at the tooltip (well, OK, from time to time I happen to miss, too

but it's not as often as to be annoying). And as I only occasionally use more than those two (plus the regular one), it is just perfect for me.

Nod5 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 05, 2009, 04:13 PM »

Ok I'll try to use it a bit and see if my responses are quick enough :-)

Two more ideas that come to mind:
- For 4 or fewer clipboard use then CCCCtrlC could be more minimalistic to use if the number of clipboards weren't autoextended.
- ctrl+c-holding could be made to loop over those four clipboards until the user presses any other key (like space).

edit: One more thing, not CCCCtrlC specific but relating to clipboards in general: almost every time I need more than two clipboards it is because I am doing paste repetitions of some sort. Like pasting recipient, subject and contents for emails in a webmail interface multiple times. The perfect clipboard tool would have a learn mode in which the user pastes into the three types of input boxes from three different clipboards. Thereafter the user just needs to select each input box and ctrl+v. The script would then know what clipboard to paste from to that box.

TPReal · « **Reply #14 on:** August 05, 2009, 04:38 PM »

I thought about both the things that you mention, and I decided to make it as it is

But I think that during regular usage it really does not make any difference.

As for your general remark, well, that would have to be quite a complicated mechanism I think. But I guess this could be done. Not in CCCCtrlC, though

rjbull · « **Reply #15 on:** August 06, 2009, 04:27 AM »

... pasting recipient, subject and contents for emails in a webmail interface multiple times.
-Nod5 (August 05, 2009, 04:13 PM)

You might need a much heavier-duty program for that. You could do it with KeePass, where you tab between fields and enter text, or the similar functionality (which I haven't tried) in mouser's ClipboardHelp+Spell. Look for Advanced SendKeys Method in CHS' Help. If you need to change recipient each time, though, that's more of a problem.

Nod5 · « **Reply #16 on:** August 06, 2009, 12:41 PM »

I'm not sure that it would have to be so very heavy-duty. AHK can check the active window and control class and for most purposes that would be fine. I'll try to put together some code for that when I have more time.

solaia · « **Reply #17 on:** November 09, 2009, 07:12 AM »

Such a tool - if w/o bugs - would be exactly what I am looking for since years. But...

- With every start of computer the exe-file of this programm has to be initilized. Why programm cannot start with computer?
- The cursor running much too fast for beginners. Speed cannot be changed. Given on -start -execute the recommended CCCCtrlC.exe [Intervall] say CCCCtrlC.exe [20] just pop the shabby grey windows-mistake-information-window. Bumm! Reply: "'CCCCtrlC.exe doesn't exist" !
- Copied with normal (short-time) Shift+C the copy has doubled i.e. 'CCCCtrlC.exe [Intervall]CCCCtrlC.exe [Intervall]' - unbelievable but it's true.
- There is no uninstall

Fazit: Just to test your nerves and to confirm that it is better to use commercial programms

Shows problem we meet since ever: Incapability of most software-programmers to explain programms, understandable for public use. Not even capable to explain installation properly. Incompability of software-programmers to didactical psychology (teaching).
Little hint: If the cake should taste good follow a cook book and read to the instructions:
1.....
2.....
3...... an so on

What can you learn from a cook book that your programm tastes good (= successful installation & runs well on everybodies computer) ?

scancode · « **Reply #18 on:** November 09, 2009, 07:30 AM »

Piece of shit Re:
-solaia (November 09, 2009, 07:12 AM)

What a nice way to treat someone who's releasing an application FOR FREE. Don't like it, don't use it.
I'd like to see your reaction if somebody else called your work a POS.

- With every start of computer the exe-file of this programm has to be initilized. Why programm cannot start with computer?
-solaia (November 09, 2009, 07:12 AM)

Add to startup folder, stop bitching. Some of us don't like having a lot of programs running at startup.

- The cursor running much too fast for beginners. Speed cannot be changed. Given on -start -execute the recommended CCCCtrlC.exe [Intervall] say CCCCtrlC.exe [20] just pop the shabby grey windows-mistake-information-window. Bumm! Reply: "'CCCCtrlC.exe doesn't exist" !
-solaia (November 09, 2009, 07:12 AM)

Use the full path, ie

"C:\Documents and Settings\You\Desktop\Downloads\CCCCtrlC.exe" 20

- Copied with normal (short-time) Shift+C the copy has doubled i.e. 'CCCCtrlC.exe [Intervall]CCCCtrlC.exe [Intervall]' - unbelievable but it's true.
-solaia (November 09, 2009, 07:12 AM)

$:-\$

- There is no uninstall
-solaia (November 09, 2009, 07:12 AM)

Not needed, just delete the EXE :/

Fazit: Just to test your nerves and to confirm that it is better to use commercial programms
-solaia (November 09, 2009, 07:12 AM)

$:-\$

Shows problem we meet since ever: Incapability of most software-programmers to explain programms, understandable for public use. Not even capable to explain installation properly. Incompability of software-programmers to didactical psychology (teaching).
-solaia (November 09, 2009, 07:12 AM)

Software programmers teach stuff to computers. Teachers teach stuff to people.

Little hint: If the cake should taste good follow a cook book and read to the instructions:
1.....
2.....
3...... an so on

What can you learn from a cook book that your programm tastes good (= successful installation & runs well on everybodies computer) ?
-solaia (November 09, 2009, 07:12 AM)

Programmers != bakers
Also, a little common courtesy goes a long way.
Since it seems you know so much about programming and end-user experience, why don't you code your own tool and share it with the rest of us?

</nastygram>

TPReal · « **Reply #19 on:** November 09, 2009, 07:36 AM »

- With every start of computer the exe-file of this programm has to be initilized. Why programm cannot start with computer?
-solaia (November 09, 2009, 07:12 AM)

Add it to Windows autostart. It's a simple program, you just need to do it manually, that's all.

- The cursor running much too fast for beginners. Speed cannot be changed. Given on -start -execute the recommended CCCCtrlC.exe [Intervall] say CCCCtrlC.exe [20] just pop the shabby grey windows-mistake-information-window. Bumm! Reply: "'CCCCtrlC.exe doesn't exist" !
-solaia (November 09, 2009, 07:12 AM)

Not CCCCtrlC.exe [20] but CCCCtrlC.exe 20, the square bracket is a standard notation for optional parameters. Also in the help that is displayed when you hold Ctrl+C+V there is no square bracket at all. And the option works like it should.

- Copied with normal (short-time) Shift+C the copy has doubled i.e. 'CCCCtrlC.exe [Intervall]CCCCtrlC.exe [Intervall]' - unbelievable but it's true.
-solaia (November 09, 2009, 07:12 AM)

I can't understand what you mean. First, probably you mean Ctrl+C and not Shift+C, second, I don't have any problem with anything double copying and can't reproduce your problem.

- There is no uninstall
-solaia (November 09, 2009, 07:12 AM)

There's no install so there's no uninstall. Just remove the program from the autostart. To stop the running program, press Ctrl+Ins+V and select Close from the tray icons that appears.

Fazit: Just to test your nerves and to confirm that it is better to use commercial programms
-solaia (November 09, 2009, 07:12 AM)

I've been using this program frequently since I posted it here, that is four months, and if I had any complaints about anything, I'd simply correct it.

So, in general, I don't agree with what you say. Of course this program is a simple tool provided "AS IS", so it shouldn't be compared with commercial products, but on the other hand I haven't found any similar program, even commercial, that I liked more than this one.

TPR.

yksyks · « **Reply #20 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:49 AM »

Some time ago I recommended Ditto here, but recently got disappointed with reliability of the latest version. At the same time I realized that I'm seldom using older clips, and that I can live without graphic clips as well. So I tried CCCCtrlC and I'd like to thank you.

But it wouldn't be me if I miss to make some suggestions (hope you don't mind):

1. Fixed number of cccclipboards, possibly as a second command-line parameter

2. Use some kind of highlight (possibly just inverted colors) on the selected cccclipboard, not the parenthesis, which make the whole tooltip changing positions

In my opinion this would improve the usability, especially #2. But thanks again!

TPReal · « **Reply #21 on:** November 11, 2009, 10:16 AM »

Some time ago I recommended Ditto here, but recently got disappointed with reliability of the latest version. At the same time I realized that I'm seldom using older clips, and that I can live without graphic clips as well. So I tried CCCCtrlC and I'd like to thank you.
-yksyks (November 11, 2009, 04:49 AM)

I'm glad you like it

Thanks for letting me know.

As for your suggestions:

2. The thing that is displayed on the screen is not a form, but simply a tooltip, similar to those that are shown when you hold your mouse pointer over various elements of GUI in most programs. That's why I can't do anything more than just display text. The only thing that could be done is try to align the Cs by putting more spaces between them, but I've checked that it doesn't look better. So I'm afraid there's no way to correct it without breaking the almost no GUI principle.

1. Currently the selection doesn't cycle over the cccclipboards anyway, so I decided to extend the capacity dynamically so that you can pretend that it's fixed at any number you wish

And using more than 5 of them is not very convenient anyway. I thought about this but finally decided to leave it as it is. Again, the almost no configuration principle would suffer if I tried to change this

and I think it wouldn't be worth it.

yksyks · « **Reply #22 on:** November 11, 2009, 12:02 PM »

OK, I understand. I agree with #1. Regarding #2, how about displaying something like:

underline "_" for empty clips
lowercase "c" for non-empty clip
en-dash "–" for selected empty clip
uppercase "C" for selected non-empty clip

Or something similar, I'll be thinking about this. The cycling through the tooltip would just "raise" the appropriate symbol visually and it would keep the tooltip compact. What do you think?

TPReal · « **Reply #23 on:** November 11, 2009, 12:11 PM »

underline "_" for empty clips
lowercase "c" for non-empty clip
en-dash "–" for selected empty clip
uppercase "C" for selected non-empty clip
-yksyks (November 11, 2009, 12:02 PM)

I experimented with various similar combinations (especially the lowercase 'c' seemed a good idea) but those letters vary in width and the result seems even more jerky.

yksyks · « **Reply #24 on:** November 11, 2009, 12:58 PM »

You're right, I forgot you can't change the font. So, here's another idea: use characters that should have same proportions in all fonts, which are unfortunately only numbers and underline. I could imagine replacing the selected cell with an appropriate number, which might even add to lucidity of the thing, but how to emphasize whether the cell is full or empty? Even the space character has different width... Can you at least use bold or underline attribute?