Locating your Personal Abbreviation List (PAL) file in TypeWell's system folder

NOTE: If you’re using TypeWell Version 7 or higher, see Export or import your Personal Abbreviation List (PAL).

While you can easily import and export your PAL file in V7/V8 Transcriber with the click of a button, there may be times when you want to locate your PAL file directly in TypeWell's system folder.  However, be aware that if you edit the PAL file incorrectly, the TypeWell software may not start. So, the first rule when working directly with your PAL is to save an untouched, backup copy somewhere.

PAL files are located within a TypeWell system folder on your transcriber computer. Follow the steps below to locate that system folder.

Locate the TypeWell System Folder

Open a Windows Explorer window (the keyboard shortcut is Windows logo key+ E).

1. Type %LOCALAPPDATA% in the address bar, including the % sign at the start and end of the variable. Press Enter.
2. 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 a computer running Windows 10, the system folder is located at C:\Users\ \AppData\Local\TypeWell\Transcriber.
• For TypeWell V6 and V7 on a computer running Windows XP, this system folder may be located at C:\Documents and Settings\ \Local Settings\Application Data\TypeWell\Transcriber.
• For V6 and V7 on Windows Vista or Windows 7, it may be at C:\Users\ \AppData\Local\TypeWell\Transcriber
• For V5 on Windows XP, this folder is usually at C:\Documents and Settings\ \Application Data\TypeWell\Transcriber.
• For V5 on Windows Vista or Windows 7, it may be at C:\Users\ \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).

To locate your PAL file for the standalone version of TypeWell Everywhere, substitute "Everywhere" for Transcriber in the folder names above.

Open the PAL file in Notepad

Before opening and/or editing a PAL file, be sure to close the TypeWell program.

• A regular PAL file will be named userabbr.dict.  In TypeWell V7 or higher, there may be multiple PAL files (one for each tab in the MultiPAL).
• A Math PAL file will be called usermath.dict.

To edit a PAL file, open it using the Notepad program on your computer. Be sure to close the saved file before re-opening the TypeWell program.

How to display hidden files and folders

If you don't see an Application Data or AppData folder in the folder, follow these steps to set Windows to display hidden files and folders.

Windows 10

1. From your desktop, double-click to open This PC or press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
2. Click View.
3. Find the Show/hide sub-list that appears and check the box for Hidden items.

Windows 8

1. On your keyboard press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
2. Click the View tab.
3. Check File name extensions and Hidden items.

Windows 7 and Vista

1. Right-click the Windows Logo button and choose Open Windows Explorer (or just Explore).
2. Click Organize and choose Folder and Search Options.
3. Click the View tab, select Show hidden files and folders and then click OK.

Windows XP

1. Open Folder Options by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Themes, and then clicking Folder Options.)
2. Click the View tab.
3. Under Hidden files and folders, click Show hidden files and folders, and then click OK.