Well, I have experimented with various tools. One of those tools I'm experimenting with right now is Tony Proctor's program to create what he calls a 'Buddy File'. This is being discussed in Dear Myrtle's Facebook group. My Buddy File post describes my learning process.
At least one of the comments discussed whether the time involved in creating the text file was worth it. I have to admit that was my initial thought as Tony made his presentation last week.
Since I want to use the 'buddy file' for transcriptions, it dawned on me this morning that I likely already have the information to put in a buddy file. I just need to copy/paste into Notepad and save the file.
For example, I usually put a transcription of a record in the DETAILS section of the source in my RootsMagic software.
The tricky part is making sure I save the file correctly.
- same folder as image
- same name as image
- adding the META extension
- verifying that the 'Save as type' is set to 'All Files'
Since I've started using Scrivener for both transcribing and analyzing records, it will be easy to create the corresponding buddy files. I use the split screen option to put the record on top and then transcribe into a new file in the bottom screen. I name the transcription with the exact same name as the image. [See my previous post on using Scrivener.]
I could export the transcription in a wide variety of file types, including text. Thus, I could export it as a text file into the folder of the image and then rename the file.
After completing the export, I opened Windows Explorer and located the folder and exported file
I then right-clicked on the file and removed the txt from the end of the file name and replaced it with meta. The software prompts me to verify that I want to change the ending and click YES.
Now when I search this folder for the surname LOGAN, explorer IMMEDIATELY shows me the file.
When I click on that file, it opens both the image and the text file. I have my computer set to use Paint.net for images and notepad for text files. If Paint.net is opening to full screen, I have to click on the box in the upper right corner to change it to partial screen. Then I can see Notepad open in the background. Moving the windows around, I can then see both the image and the text.
This capability will be EXTREMELY helpful with my FAN club research. The file I used for demonstration is for a land transaction between a John Crawford and a James Logan. I currently don't know how or even if John Crawford is related to my Crawford line. At this time, I have no evidence that of a relationship with any Logan family members in Kentucky or Virginia. If I do find a Crawford-Logan connection, I now have the capability of searching my files to pull up those pertaining to a Logan.
So, the moral of the story is --
If you are already transcribing documents, just copy/paste and save the transcription with the same name as the image and with the .meta extension.
Thanks again for trying this, Marcia. The issue with MS Paint is a bug that I need to check. I rarely use Paint so I'm not sure why it's behaving differently to, say, MS Office Picture manager, which behaves perfectly (whether it's full-screen or partial). The buddy file should ALWAYS be showing over the bottom third of the image (or other type of file).
ReplyDeleteIf it's that useful to have a side-by-side mode then that could be added as a configuration feature, although it would need feedback on what it actually means (e.g. 50/50, or something else). Any suggestions?
Marcia, I've just released a v2.2. This deals with the MS Paint issues, but it also now offers a side-by-side mode. Since this would be most useful for transcriptions, but maybe not other buddy-file content, it's now possible to configure different types of buddy file to suit your needs. It's not as complicated as it sounds, and the last section of the PDF guide explains a little better.
ReplyDelete