Developer: Madsoft Release Date: Now
When it comes to putting documents, projects, websites or similar efforts together, we generally use a range of applications. For example, if I need to produce a poster then I would use a text editor, an artwork package, a desktop publisher package and a few other utilities. All very nice, but there has to be a middle stage where the pictures and text and other things are transferred across from the various applications. When dealing with a large number of graphics and texts it becomes easy to lose track of where everything is stored, cluttered directories can turn quite nasty.
Clipman offers a straightforward area to hold temporary files. Files can be dragged onto it and it also listens in on a few well known applications to catch copy and cut actions. As a StrongED user I was quite pleased to be able to tap the copy shortcut, (control with shift and C), and see Clipman pick up my highlighted text. I've been told that Zap is catered for as well. Not all applications are treated this way, so you can always drag and drop any file onto Clipman from the filer or a standard save box.
Clipman at work: the funky graphic is saved into the temporary storage..
..as is this selection from StrongEd
Once a file has been copied into Clipman, you can either click on the Store icon to keep the file until you quit Clipman or click on the Keep icon to save the file within Clipman for as long as you like, a very handy feature. Clipman uses a neat and tidy graphical display that lists each copied file. Recalling of files is fast and can be done by dragging files off the list and onto other applications. A lot of effort has probably been put into making Clipman as flexible as possible. The help manual, (in StrongHelp format), explains everything in a very plain and simple manner. There's no beating around the bush, I am in fact surprised the author didn't start it with something like 'Look Mr. User, I don't mind you using my application and fiddling with it and showing it off to your iMac friends but if you have the cheek to read this manual in an attempt to understand this amazingly straightforward utility, I hope you have a good excuse.' ..and so on. Seriously though, you only need a few minutes with Clipman to get to grips with it.
Saving all the collected files into OvationPro is easy, just drag them off the Clipman window and onto the document window.
It may interest you to know that I couldn't find any real problems with Clipman. There are one or two concerning pre-RISC OS 3.5 computers, but I'm not in a pedantic mood. Admittedly, the RISC OS world has until now managed to cope just fine without a Windows-style global clipboard, but please don't let this deter you.
I like Clipman, it has its apparant uses and carries out its tasks efficiently and effectively. I can't use the old 'how did I survive without it' line on it but I know Clipman is for those who, like me, prefer a logical and organised desktop. Good stuff.