Imagine that you’re reading a newspaper or book. All you’ve to do is just keep highlighting important lines and phrases, and someone automatically copies them and prepares a separate note for you, in other words an Auto Notemaker!
Convenient, time saver, miraculous. And yes, it is possible- as long as you’re reading anything on computer- webpages or PDF files (on Microsoft Windows XP, Win8).
- Introduction
- Situation A: want to make notes out of PDF files
- Situation B: Auto Notes making from Website
- Converting Notes into Mindmaps
- Troubleshooting the Scripts
- Eye Strain
Introduction
Consider this example, I’m copy pasting an article from The Hindu
………The Indian Railways successfully tested a path-breaking technology called Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), about 150 km from Hyderabad, on Tuesday.
The TCAS technology, based on a combination of GPS and Radio Frequency enabled technology, applies brakes without the intervention of the loco (train) pilots once it detects another locomotive on the move or stationary on the same track and avoids collision. The technology includes installation of some electronic gadgets on the trains, in the stations and along the tracks.
……….Sources stated that the TCAS would not only help avoid collisions due to human errors in signalling and invisibility of signals due to heavy rain or fog, but alerts about fire on trains and warns about damage to the tracks during natural calamities or sabotage.
End of Copy Paste.
Now, from exam point of view, the topic is important but this article is very verbose and lengthy = not good for revision. But we can easily summarize the crux of the whole article by highlighting certain phrases, which are as following:
- Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)
- combination of GPS and Radio Frequency.
- applies brakes without pilots
- avoid collisions due to human errors, rain or fog, natural calamities or sabotage.
So how would you create such neat and crispy revision notes from newspapers / PDF files?
You’ve three options:
- Read the article, Manually type those phrases in notepad or MS word file =extremely tiresome and time consuming.
- Highlight every phrase, press “ctrl+C” (copy) then goto MS word or notepad Window and Paste “ctrl+v” (paste). Repeat this activity like 500 times for one stupid article = again waste time.
- Save the whole webpages for later reading and making notes in pen-paper format. = still inconvenient.
To solve this problem, I’ve created an automated computer script. It’ll automatically copy the selected phrases/keywords from a webpage or PDF file and store it in the notepad document.
Basically the principle is Option B cited above, but You don’t have to press ctrl+C/ctrl+V or switch between windows. That work is done in background via my computer script.
Instructions
Download and Install following softwares (free)
- Autohotkey (Lexicos Build) (Free) Link: Click ME (new webpage opens up, there is download button in it)
- Foxit PDF reader (Free): Click ME
- Save following Script Files anywhere on your desktop, harddisk or any folder.
Situation A: want to make notes out of PDF files
- fox XP Double click on “Mrunal’s Auto Notemaker for PDF”. For Win7/8, right click on its icon “Run as Administrator”.
- Now You will see the green icon in the taskbar, near the clock.
- Open any pdf file in Foxit PDF reader. For the Demonstration, I’ve opened India Yearbook 2011.
- If you’re using Foxit PDF reader’s “Classical toolbar” mode, then goto “Tools Menu”>>Text Selection Tool.
- If you’re using Tabbed Toolbar mode in Foxit PDF reader then >>Basic Tab >>Text Selection Tool. (otherwise text will not be selected)
- Now read the Pdf file as per your convenience, and whenever you feel that some keyword or phrase is important, then just highlight it using your mouse cursor. (But make sure that you’ve selected “Text Selection Tool”)
- You’ll see that my script is copying those highlighted lines and you’ll receive ballon-tray notifications.
- Continue the activity until you’ve finish the topic/chapter in the given pdf file.
- Once you’re done reading the topic/pdf file, then right click on the green icon in taskbar -> “Pause Program”
- Now again Right Click on green icon > “Open Storage” and you’ll see the notepad file containing all the phrases that you had highlighted during reading.
- Copy paste the content of this notepad file into another MS Word document / Notepad / Evernote / Onenote or any other software, as per your requirement.
- Close this notepad file.
- Right click on the green icon >> Empty Storage. (plz note, it’ll remove the content from that notepad file).
- If you want to continue making notes, then continue highlighting lines in Foxit. And repeat above steps for number 4 onwards.
- If you’re done, then exit the program by right click>>Exit program
Situation B: Auto Notes making from Website
- Launch google chrome.
- Double click on “Mrunal’s Auto Notemaker for Web”. Now You will see the green icon in the taskbar, near the clock.
- Just select the phrases/highlight phrases while reading any article or website and they’ll automatically get copied in background.
- Once finished, Right click on green icon > “Pause Program”
- Now again Right Click on green icon > “Open Storage” and your data will be there. Copy paste it in separate word file, evernote, freemind or any other software as per your requirements.
- Other instructions are more or less the same like Situation “A” for PDF files.
- You may also use this script for copying from MS Word, Notepad etc fileformats.
Converting Notes into Mindmaps
Suppose after copying from here and there, you’ve gathered following lines
- Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)
- combination of GPS and Radio Frequency enabled technology
- applies brakes without the intervention of the loco (train) pilots
- avoid collisions due to human errors,heavy rain or fog, natural calamities or sabotage.
- NATIONAL SCHOOL OF DRAMA
- set up by Sangeet Natak Akademi
- totally financed by Department of Culture.
- an autonomous organisation
- to train students in all aspects of theatre
- training course at NSD is of three years duration
The first four lines are from The Hindu newspaper (web) and remaining lines are from India Yearbook 2011 (PDF). I’ve made this list using my scripts. (I did not manually type above list)
- Now I want to properly arrange this data into a mindmap for quick revisions.
- So, Copy that list. (please copy such lists from a notepad text file or MS word file, because if you directly copy paste it from a webpage, then the list may not display properly in the mindmapping program.)
- Anyways, after copying the list, Open either Freemind or Mindjet Mindmanager.
- Create a new Mindmap.
- Now select Central Note (the gray circle titled “New Mind Map”) and press Ctrl+V (Paste)
- You’ll get this result.
Now hold down Shift key, and using arrow key, select the point number 2 to 4 and drag them into point number 1. And you’ll get this result:
Lastly, I’ve added some fancy formatting to beautify the mindmap and here is the final result.
Troubleshooting the Scripts
- I’ve tested this on XP SP3, working without problem.
- Tested on Win8 (64-bit). As long as you launch the program via right click “run as administrator”, should work fine.
- This does not work with just ‘any’ version of Autohotkey software. This works only with a customized version of Autohotkey software, known as “Lexicos’ build. (Autohotkey_L)” So if you’re having any issues, uninstall your autohotkey, then download and install following file: http://l.autohotkey.net/AutoHotkey_L_Install.exe
- If you got the error window that “—> 023: Run,%A_scriptdir%\Temporary_Storage_File.txt...huge piece of code” This happens when you launch the script for the very first time and directly click on green icon >> open storage. This error happens because system has not yet created that “Temporary_Storage_File”. So solution is simple: relaunch the script, Selected a few lines in PDF/Webpage only for testing and then Green icon > right click > Open Storage.
- Sometimes it doesn’t detect the lines selected by cursor. So either restart the program or try again. If you drag your cursor too fast or too slow, then the script may not detect and copy the text. In the Web script be extremely cautious while moving your mouse in dragging and highlighting lines, else it might copy the whole web instead of a single phrase :)
- Will not work if the PDF file is “copy-protected” or if it is just a scanned image of a document without OCR. Same goes for Non-English PDF files
- Mrunal’s Auto Notemaker for Web, tested on firefox, internet explorer and Chrome. (Although Chrome would most reliable). If problem then disable other Plugin/addons.
- Better “Empty Storage” after work is done. i.e. right click on green icon >>Empty Storage.
- Better close/exit the script when not in use. Otherwise script might unnecessarily keep copying the text while you’re surfing websites for non-study purpose.
- May or may not function properly if you’re using Vista or Win7 or Windowsblinds themes (because of the “ Balloon Traytip” feature)
- Donot launch both scripts simultaneously. Use only one script at a time.
- Donot use this in combination with Clipmate or Clipcache or similar clipboard modifier programs.
How to Report Bugs/Errors
If you run into any trouble, don’t hesitate the post the comment below.
But For faster diagnosis of problem, please describe it in following format.
- Name of your Operating System: Win XP, Vista, Win7, Win8
- Are you using Autohotkey “Lexicos Build”?: Yes/No.
- Script : PDF or Web?
- Name of the web browser (if problem in Web script): Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox
- Description of the problem and what solutions have you tried:
Eye Strain
- My script copies the data in a .txt file (notepad file)
- But the default notepad has white background and black text = very uncomfortable for eye, if you consciously work for more than 10 minutes.
- Therefore I suggest you use Notepad++ (free download: CLICK ME)
- Open notepad++, click on Settings >> Styler Configuration >>Change theme according to your liking.
- To make Notepad++ as your default alternative to Notepad, you need to goto Notepad++ >> Settings Menu >>Preferences >>File Associations >>.txt
- Compare the screens:
Foxit PDF reader: Changing Background Color
- When you’ve to read lengthy PDF files, with white background + black text = very uncomfortable.
- To solve this problem, Goto Edit>Prerences (or press Ctrl+K on your keyboard)
- Now select “Accessibility” and replace the document colors (for example black background and yellow text).
Ok, I think I understand the problem now, actually the PDF I am copying from has a watermark, and the select text tool keeps selecting that, or basically it confuses the computer in some way. Does anyone know how to deal with this problem? Is it possible to select text without hassles from a watermarked PDF in Foxit reader?
Every weekend i used to pay a visit this website, because i want enjoyment, since this this website conations truly nice funny material too.
hello sir,
i am unable to make notepad++ as default
by settings preferences also its not happening
please guide me
Guys none of this actually seems to be working for me. I’ve tried almost all the given options in this forum:
1.clicking the run as administrator—– but still it continues to get copied repetitively .
2.downloading autoclipx as suggested by rusty—- there also instructions given by him are not leading to adequate results.
3.mrunal pdf auto note maker is not recognising the indian express script.
my system details
Name of your Operating System: Win7
Are you using Autohotkey “Lexicos Build”?: Yes
Script : PDF and Web
Name of the web browser (if problem in Web script): Google Chrome,
Description of the problem and what solutions have you tried: as described above.
please guys if anyone identifies with my problem please give a solution .
can someone plz guide me for autohotkey version for macbook i m exhausted, its not working in macbook what can be the alternatives??
Name of your Operating System: Win 8
Are you using Autohotkey “Lexicos Build”?: Yes
Script : PDF and Web
Name of the web browser (if problem in Web script): Google Chrome,
Description of the problem and what solutions have you tried : I just installed Script fpr PDF and Web and the Autohotkey “Lexicos Build”.After right click on the .ahk files, I am not getting the option of “Run as Administrator”. I went to properties and unblocked as someone had suggested; but did not work. Please suggest a solution.
Regards,
Akshay
autonote maker is not working..
hello mrunal
when i am using the “Mrunal’s Auto Notemaker for Web” error is occuring in line 42 .Also the empty storage command ic not responding in the auto note maker pdf”
kindly look into it
i’m running -win7/32 bit
using in chrome
rest all the soft. as u mentioned in above article
Name of your Operating System: Win7/32bit
Are you using Autohotkey “Lexicos Build”?: Yes
Script : PDF & Web <————Problem in both
Name of the web browser (if problem in Web script): Google Chrome
Description of the problem and what solutions have you tried: when i am using the “Mrunal’s Auto Notemaker for Web” error is occuring in line 42……… "stating that this line doesnot contain a recognised action"…………………..Also the empty storage command ic not responding in the auto note maker pdf” ecah time i have to manually delete the copied text from it.
YOU can use the following script for copying the script from the webpages.
just click RIGHT MOUSE key you will see an icon called AUTO HOT KEY SCRIPT(note you need to install AUTO HOT KEY “LEXICO BUILD “AS mentioned above beforehand) ,click on that ,open it and paste the following programme:-
;
; AutoHotkey Version: 1.x
; Language: English
; Platform: Win9x/NT
;
;
; Script Function:
; Template script (you can customize this template by editing “ShellNew\Template.ahk” in your Windows folder)
;
#NoEnv ; Recommended for performance and compatibility with future AutoHotkey releases.
SendMode Input ; Recommended for new scripts due to its superior speed and reliability.
SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir% ; Ensures a consistent starting directory.
; Copying text to Notepad for saving
s::
Send, ^c
IfWinExist, Untitled – Notepad
{
WinActivate, Untitled – Notepad ; Automatically uses
} ; the window found above.
Else
{
Run, Notepad
}
WinWaitActive, Untitled – Notepad
Send, ^v`n`n
return
NOW to copy the text from any web browser just select the text and PRESS “S” (mind you its capital S).the following text will be pasted in notepad.
HOPE THAT WORK FOR U GUYS.
same@ashu here
Is there any solution for Macbook ?
Operating System: Win XP,
Are you using Autohotkey “Lexicos Build”?: Yes
Script : Web
Name of the web browser (if problem in Web script): Both Firefox and Google chrome
Description of the problem and what solutions have you tried: PDF Automaker is working well…but web auto note maker is not coping all selected text ..some times coping previous selected texts….plz help me
o/s : win 7
Are you using Autohotkey “Lexicos Build”?: Yes
Script : Web
Name of the web browser (if problem in Web script): Google Chrome
Description of the problem and what solutions have you tried: PDF autonotemaker is working fine…. but the problem with the web auto note maker is that i am unable to start the application. it shows an error message every time i want to open the web note maker. and i am not able to think of any solution for this problem. plz help me sir…….
As explained by you for Win7/8, right click on its icon “Run as Administrator”, but i am not getting any option of running as administrator. The file is .ahk file. How should I install it on WIn 8?
sir,i am unable to download mrunal’s Auto NOTEMAKER for pdf & web.please tell me the pocedure to download
YOU can use the following script for copying the script from the webpages.
just click RIGHT MOUSE key you will see an icon called AUTO HOT KEY SCRIPT(note you need to install AUTO HOT KEY “LEXICO BUILD “AS mentioned above beforehand) ,click on that ,open it and paste the following programme:-
;
; AutoHotkey Version: 1.x
; Language: English
; Platform: Win9x/NT
;
;
; Script Function:
; Template script (you can customize this template by editing “ShellNew\Template.ahk” in your Windows folder)
;
#NoEnv ; Recommended for performance and compatibility with future AutoHotkey releases.
SendMode Input ; Recommended for new scripts due to its superior speed and reliability.
SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir% ; Ensures a consistent starting directory.
; Copying text to Notepad for saving
s::
Send, ^c
IfWinExist, Untitled – Notepad
{
WinActivate, Untitled – Notepad ; Automatically uses
} ; the window found above.
Else
{
Run, Notepad
}
WinWaitActive, Untitled – Notepad
Send, ^v`n`n
return
NOW to copy the text from any web browser just select the text and PRESS “S” (mind you its capital S).the following text will be pasted in notepad.
HOPE THAT WORK FOR U GUYS.
ame of your Operating System: Win7,
Are you using Autohotkey “Lexicos Build”?: Yes
Script : Web
Name of the web browser Google Chrome, Firefox
Description of the problem : Error in line 42 line……. the program will exit.
Solution tried: disabled addons, re installed whole thing again
Hi aadit, Please perform the following steps to run your Autonotemaker.
1. Right click autonotemaker, then open with it notepad.
2. Now be careful – you will see a script. Please do not make any changes in it except the one I am mentioning.
3. There will a line starting with #If WinActive. Delete the “#If “. Actually that line should start with only WinActive.
4. then press Cntrl + S in your keyboard. Again go to properties open with it Autohotkey.
5. You will observe your script will run fine.
Any problem write me…Even I got the same problem when I used it first time , found this as error now my script is working fine.
tx AJ :)
in my case content is getting copied multiple times
thank you, it works
Aj
i had right click on the auto note maker and i got an not maker , but iam unable to edit it .
can u tell me where i had gone wrong
It works, Thanks boss :)
Thanks bro.. It’s working now :)
Hi AJ,
Your correction in script worked for me for webpage copying.
Thank YOU :)
I have another problem with PDF, it copies and creates a temp
txt file on desktop but it does not open automatecally by
‘Open Storage’ commond provided by the script running.
However, I am able to open it on desktop, Pls check the script of PDF.
Thanks again :) Pls reply
edit the pdf ahk script… change the filename called Temporary_Storage_File.txt, UTF-8 to Temporary_Storage_File.txt in all the places where it is mentioned so in the script ; That should solve the problem
thanks bhai its work fine now
but there is one problem
os win 7 32 bit
how i ensure the autohotkey is L
n my pdf script is not working
n plz give clean links to download notepad ++ n other softwares mention in the program
Thank u so much AJ. That helped a lot..
Hi AJ. Just got to know about your suggestion for running the PDF script. In my case, even after removing the “#If” part and subsequent saving of the file, I am unable to run the script. It doesn’t show me an option like” run as administrator” Can you please guide me. Thank you. Varun
Hi AJ !
I got the same line 42 error for the web note maker. I followed the steps you gave and fixed it. The script started running. But when I tried to copy something online, the address of the location of the script is getting copied and that too multiple times.
like this:
C:\Users\Nikki\Downloads\Mrunals_WEB_AutoNoteMaker.ahk
C:\Users\Nikki\Downloads\Mrunals_WEB_AutoNoteMaker.ahk
C:\Users\Nikki\Downloads\Mrunals_WEB_AutoNoteMaker.ahk
C:\Users\Nikki\Downloads\Mrunals_WEB_AutoNoteMaker.ahk
hey AJ,
there is a delay and lag in copying the selected lines in “Auto note maker of Web version” … how do i resolve it ?
thanks AJ… Now it works..!!
tq very much yar. d same problem. got solved :)
dude ! you are awesome !!! thanks alot .. after such a long hammering i got to crack the tough nut more tougher than civil services .. lol tc
hi Aj its not working with your modification for me
mine is 32 bit
please help me
Dear Sir,
tried your solution but its copying multiple times.
Please suggest if you have any solution.
Thanks
Mrunal Sir, I’m unable to use the “Auto Notemaker for PDF”, When I highlight the text from pdf the icon shows the content has been copied. But when I try to open the storage it is showing an error and unable to open the storage file. Please help. Its urgent.
Please help. I’m breaking my head trying to make the web note maker work. The pdf note maker is working fine. Please help !
my head already broke… trying from 2 months… not able to make web note maker work..
Aj ‘s correction is also not working
did u get it ?
im using windows xp sp3..
its showing different problems at different times..
some times it will copy someother thing which i actually not wanted ..
sometimes it will copy the same sentence every time i try to copy diff one
sometimes it will be idle..
its playing with me in whatever ways it is possible play
since mrunal mentioned xp sp3 i shifted my os from win 8 to this xp .. eventhen no use..
please anyone help here
name of your Operating System: Win7,
Are you using Autohotkey “Lexicos Build”?: Yes
Script : Web
Name of the web browser : Firefox
Description of the problem : first copied line getting copied repeatedly and also this line
C:\Users\Srinivas\Desktop\Temporary_Storage_File.txt
Solution tried: restarted, re installed whole thing again
Hey.
I am facing the exact same problem. Did u resolve it ? Please can u tell me how to make it work ?
Please help.
hey rakesh do u get the solution. plz tell me
Name of your Operating System: Win7
Are you using Autohotkey “Lexicos Build”?: Yes.
Script : PDF
Name of the web browser (if problem in Web script): Google Chrome,
Description of the problem and what solutions have you tried: successfully downloaded the mrunal pdf notemaker, autohotkey and foxit reader.
the text is getting highlighted but when i try to open storage it launches a error message, “Error: Failed attempt to launch program or document”.
Please help me out.
hello sir..downloaded ur autonotemaker foe web and pdf…but after downloading the script is not running even after downloading autohotkey software..plzz help
Name of your Operating System: Win7
Are you using Autohotkey “Lexicos Build”?: Yes
Script : Web
Name of the web browser (if problem in Web script): Google Chrome,
error in line 42
Auto notemaker for web- link is not working , kindly see to it.
solution of problem of copying multiple times:
disable notification of this script..select “hide icons and notification” in win 7….it worked.
Hey.
I am facing the exact same problem. Did u resolve it ? Please can u tell me how to make it work ?
Please help.
nikitha, pls follow what AJ has posted.. its working for me now…
how does one “hide icons and notification” ? Please help.
Windows 7:-
Go to control panel.
Select Notification Area Icons
A List of Programs will be displayed.
Select ‘Hide Icons and Notifications’ for auto hot key.
Done!!!!
Name of your Operating System: Win7
Are you using Autohotkey “Lexicos Build”?: Yes.
Script : PDF
Name of the web browser (if problem in Web script): Google Chrome,
Description of the problem and what solutions have you tried: Pdf Notemaker not download properly
Dear Mrunalsir,
This Autonote maker software is copying the text only in English. For Hindi News paper and other NCERT hindi medium books it is not working.
Help ASAP.
Text selection not working with nios geography study material
Hi Mrunal, the problem of copying multiple times , late copying , sometimes not copying at all in WEB is persistent even after trying all solutions you provided. Please look into this matter.
Hi mrunal.
I am facing the same problem. However it is working fine for the PDF.
Plz reply what should i do.
sir i am just not able to download autonotemaker….it says connection timed out…..i have tried at home at cafes…..but its not working anywhere…plz help…
Name of your Operating System: Win7
Are you using Autohotkey “Lexicos Build”?: Yes
Script : PDF or Web? PDF
Description of the problem and what solutions have you tried: Tht same error 23 is showing repeatdly. no tem storage. pls help
Also for the script for web the script wont run : error at line 42
pls help
Autohotkey (Lexicos Build) is not available.