Customizing TextPad for Enhanced Workflow – Need Advice

[romie090]

Hello Everyone,

I’ve been using TextPad for a while now and am quite impressed with its features. However, I’m looking to take my workflow to the next level and would love some advice from experienced users on how to better customize the editor for my needs.

Currently, I’m working on multiple projects that involve coding, text editing, and data analysis. My main challenge is managing and navigating between multiple files. I’ve tried using the “Document Tabs” feature, but I’m wondering if there are more advanced techniques or plugins available to enhance this. Specifically, it would be great if I could:

• Improve file navigation: Is there a way to create custom file shortcuts or a more efficient way to switch between open documents without losing my place?

• Automate repetitive tasks: Are there any TextPad macros or scripts that can automate common tasks like formatting or inserting boilerplate code?

• Advanced syntax highlighting: While I’m aware of the default syntax highlighting options, I work with several custom file types, and I’d love to know if there’s an easy way to add or tweak these for better clarity.

• Customize the editor interface: Any tips on optimizing the workspace for better ergonomics or organization, especially when juggling multiple files at once?

I’d appreciate any recommendations, whether it’s specific plugins, settings adjustments, or tips on how to make the most of TextPad’s advanced features. Looking forward to hearing your suggestions!

Thank you in advance!

[AmigoJack]

I’ve tried using the “Document Tabs” feature, but I’m wondering if there are more advanced techniques or plugins available to enhance this.

This sounds like ChatGPT scripted this text and these "requests" are pretty vague, especially with using the adjective "enhanced" - if "Document Tabs" doesn't fit your taste you can also have the "Document Selector" or windows right away.

1. Switching between tabs in a page control is working the same way since Windows 95: use Ctrl+Tab forwards and Ctrl+Shift+Tab backwards. Likewise you can also use then window menu entry "Windows" and press 1 or 2 or 3 or whatever window/tab/document you want to quickly access. Looking at "Configure > Preferences... > Keyboard > Categories: Window > Commands: Window1...Window10" you can even notice you already have the shortcuts Ctrl+1 to Ctrl+0 assigned.
2. The window menu "Macros" should speak for itself. At this point I'm pretty sure I'm answering to ChatGTP babble instead of a human asking.
3. Which ones? What's your definition of "better" and "clarity"?
4. Switch off "View > Document Tabs", then restore the currently maximized document. Now you have all the documents as MDI children windows which you can freely arrange and size.

TextPad has no plugin interface. But at Downloads > Addons you can get many additional syntax definitions or ready-made macros (I don't know if the latter are compatible with TextPad 9 anymore, tho).

[gurok]

I use a batch file that I've configured as a tool, which opens the matching .h file when you have a .c file open and vice versa:

openrelated.bat

Code: Select all

@echo off
if %~x1==.c goto :c
start %~dpn1.c
goto :end
:c
start %~dpn1.h
:end

The settings for the tool are:
Command: openrelated.bat
Parameters: $File
Initial folder: $FileDir