Easy selection of pointer tool - a tip

Started by Thack, December 25, 2016, 12:24:21 AM

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Thack

When I'm constructing a diagram in Visio I often want to switch to the pointer tool after drawing something, in order to move it, stretch it, or whatever.  In Visio 2013 you just have to hit Esc twice.  The first time deselects what you've just drawn, but leaves the particular drawing tool active; the second time switches from the drawing tool to the pointer tool.

Visio 2003 doesn't do that.  (I'm guessing maybe 2007 doesn't, either).  Pressing Esc a second time does nothing - it leaves the drawing tool active.  To activate the pointer tool you have to either click on it with the mouse, or press Ctrl+1, both of which are a bit of a fag.  It's a small nuisance of the type I call a "speed bump": not really a problem, but definitely an irritation if it happens too often.

To resolve that shortcoming I've made it so pressing the Esc key just once deselects what you've just drawn and switches to the pointer tool.  It makes a surprisingly big difference to the ease and smoothness of drawing.

I used AutoHotkey: http://ahkscript.org/

The script is simplicity itself:

#NoEnv
SendMode Input
SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir%
SetTitleMatchMode, 2

#IfWinActive, Microsoft Visio
esc::
{
   send {esc}
   send ^1
}

Just wanted to post this in case others might find it useful. 

JuneTheSecond

#1
It looks very fine.
I will try your script later.

By the way, another alternative may be to add pointer tool to quick access tool bar in Ribbon.

Or, if you like VBA macro.


Sub Pointer()
   SendKeys "{esc}"
   SendKeys "^1"
End Sub


Best Regards,

Junichi Yoda
http://june.minibird.jp/