Perhaps you'd like to save a copy of your PAL, or transfer it to a new computer when you install TypeWell there, or do mass deletions of abbreviations that you no longer use. All these things are possible by working directly with the PAL file.
However, be aware that if you edit the PAL file incorrectly, TypeWell may not start. So, the first rule when working directly with your PAL is to save an untouched, backup copy somewhere.
In TypeWell V6 or earlier versions, the PAL file is called userabbr.dict. In TypeWell V7, there may be multiple PAL files (one for each tab in the MultiPAL). The Math PAL files are called usermath.dict.
These files are located in a TypeWell system folder on your transcriber computer. Follow the steps below to locate the system folder.
Once you've located your PAL (.dict) file, you can:
-
Make a copy of your userabbr.dict file(s).
-
Open and edit the file(s) in a text editor.
-
Import the PAL file(s) into TypeWell V7 Transcriber or Everywhere, using the Import feature.
Locate the TypeWell System Folder
Before looking for the system folder, close the TypeWell program.
Open a Windows Explorer window (the keyboard shortcut is Windows logo key+ E).- Type %LOCALAPPDATA% in the address bar, including the % sign at the start and end of the variable. Press Enter.
- The location of your local Application Data folder on your PC will be shown. NOTE: This location may change between different PCs.
The TypeWell system folder may be located in any of the following locations, where < username > is the account name you use when you log into Windows. Note that the Application Data or AppData folders are usually "hidden" folders, so you may have to change a setting on your system to "show hidden files and folders" (see below):
-
For TypeWell V6 and V7 on a computer running Windows XP, this system folder may be located at C:\Documents and Settings\ <username> \Local Settings\Application Data\TypeWell\Transcriber.
-
For V6 and V7 on Windows Vista or Windows 7, it may be at C:\Users\ <username> \AppData\Local\TypeWell\Transcriber
-
For V5 on Windows XP, this folder is usually at C:\Documents and Settings\ <username> \Application Data\TypeWell\Transcriber.
-
For V5 on Windows Vista or Windows 7, it may be at C:\Users\ <username> \AppData\Roaming\TypeWell\Transcriber.
-
For V4, the config folder is at C:\Program Files\TypeWell\Transcriber (or sometimes one level up in C:\Program Files\TypeWell).
For the Everywhere version of TypeWell, substitute Everywhere for Transcriber in the folder names above. Note for Mac Everywhere users: you can just use the Import and Export features of the PAL to access the file. However, you still should be just as careful with editing the file.
Display hidden files and folders
If you don't see an Application Data or AppData folder in the username folder, you need to set Windows to show hidden files and folders. Follow these steps for your particular operating system to display hidden files and folders.
Windows 10-
From your desktop, double-click to open This PC or press Windows + Eto open File Explorer.
-
Click View.
-
Find the Show/hide sub-list that appears and check the box for Hidden items.
Windows 8
-
On your keyboard press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
-
Click the View tab.
-
Check File name extensions and Hidden items.
Windows 7 andVista
-
Right-click the Windows Logo button and choose Open Windows Explorer (or just Explore).
-
Click Organize and choose Folder and Search Options.
-
Click the View tab, select Show hidden files and folders and then click OK.
Windows XP:
-
Open Folder Options by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Themes, and then clicking Folder Options.)
-
Click the View tab.
-
Under Hidden files and folders, click Show hidden files and folders, and then click OK.
