Idea: type into an application that is not at the top

[rick fleischer]

Similar to the 1-hour app that lets you drag a window without activating it and bringing it to the top, this would allow you to interact with the GUI of an application without bringing it to the top.  For instance, if you were taking notes from a large graphical window, you could do so without having to switch back and forth between, say, notes and the large graphical window you are studying.  (And if it sounds like I have suffered through this exercise, that would be because I have.)

[steeladept]

At first, this didn't make much sense to me, until I realized I was doing it as I write this.  This would be really nice.  Keep an app in the background, but be able to interact with certain controls. 

[Eóin]

I'd guess perhaps that setting the large window to always on top would achieve the same effect, and such a solution I'm sure is already out there.

Just a thought.

[steeladept]

The problem with this, for me at least, is that it then hides the small window that I am referencing. Thusfar my only solution has been to make the windows smaller which brings it's own set of problems - usually with toolbars that can't be turned off.

[Shades]

On my system I have 'Katmouse' running for years now. Above whichever window my mouse pointer is hovering, that is the window that I control with the mouse. It does not steal the focus from the active window.

I find it gives me a huge productivity gain when comparing lists (typing in one window while scrolling through the other.

A really nice piece of freeware.

[skwire]

Agreed.  KatMouse and AllSnap are two apps that I IMMEDIATELY install on any Windows box I use.

[steeladept]

That sounds nice for comparisons like that, but usually I am typing a note and the copy I am typing from disappears as the app I type into steals focus.  KatMouse prevents this from the mouse, but not from the keyboard (at least from my understanding - I have not tried it yet since I can't install it on my PC at work). 

[SleepingWolf]

Maybe these posts IDEA: Allow input commands to be sent to background windows. and

IDEA: Ability to select multiple windows and send keyboard input to all of them will help.  I thought the topic sounded familiar.

Let me and others know if/ when the problem is solved for you -or if the links helped.