ZipCzech Czech typing



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Typing the Czech alphabet with the correct accents is easy with ZipCzech.

ZipCzech is an add-in for Microsoft® Word (Word 2003 and higher) for rapid input of Czech text on a QWERTY keyboard. This system lets you choose between a new, simple approach and an improved version of the traditional Czech CS keyboard, using intuitive number keys. If you use the simpler method, ZipCzech allows you to type accents with the minimum of effort—in fact the only effort you will ever need to apply is lifting your finger!

  • To type u ...... press the U key
  • To type ů ...... press the U key
  • To type ú ...... press the U key
How does it work?
To type any accented Czech letter, simply hold down the key for the unaccented letter until you see the accent you want (čárka, háček or kroužek).    Demo

When the correct accent appears, just lift your finger from the key: it really is as simple as that!

Adjusting the speed
When you first try ZipCzech you may find that at the default speed the accents change very fast, making it difficult to pick the precise moment to lift your finger to obtain the accent you want. You can adjust the speed at the click of a button. A little experimentation will soon establish the best settings for ZipCzech, given the speed of your processor.

Audio clues
If you prefer touch-typing, an optional beep will sound each time the accent on the screen changes. Lift your finger as soon as you hear the beep for the accent you want. Use this option to avoid constant peering at the screen.

Tone colours
If you prefer watching the screen as you type, this option makes it much easier to identify the different accents visually. The letter you are typing will be highlighted, changing colour for each accent: for example ů, ú, etc.

Direct typing of accented letters
The simpler ZipCzech method we've described is straightforward: there's nothing to memorize. However, it can be rather slow if you're a good typist. For that reason the program includes an alternative way of typing the accented letters directly. These alternative keys (including those which are not used in Czech) are above the keys for the unaccented letters: to type á, for example, press the Q key (immediately above the A key on a QWERTY keyboard), and to type š press the W key (immediately above the S key). To type č press X (next to the C key).

Most of the accented keys are typed using the number keys in the top row of the keyboard—again choosing the keys located above the unaccented letters. So, for example, é and ě are typed using the 3 and 4 keys (above the E key); while ú and ů are typed using 7 and 8 (above the U key). There's only one exception—ž is typed using the 2 key—but this easy to remember, given the visual similarity of 2 and Z.

Dropdown menus
If you cannot remember the correct key for a particular letter, simply click on the appropriate button on the toolbar at the top of the screen. A dropdown list will appear, on which you can click on the required letter. Next to the letter on the menu you will see a reminder of the correct key to type next time you need this letter.

Quotation marks
Authentic Czech quotation marks („uvozovky“) can be typed by holding down the apostrophe key ( ' ) longer than normal for the opening mark, and slightly longer still for the closing mark.

Demonstration
Click on the button to see a slowed-down demo of the sequence of accents.

accent cycle:    

Pricing
ZipCzech is priced at £26 (approximate conversions are shown below). You can try out the program using our free 15-day trial offer.


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Free 15-day trial offer


Customer support contact
For product support, please e-mail us with any comments or queries.



System requirements: Microsoft® Windows® XP / Office 2003 or later


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