You probably want to get that text into some other application,
right? So select the text and copy (control/command-C) or cut (control/command-X)
for use elsewhere. While you're doing that, look closely. Many browsers will let you
edit your results directly.
Why does new text always go at the end? Why can't I insert text?
This little tool is meant to help you type short passages of Syriac,
not to replace your word processor. Cut and paste, my friend, cut and paste.
I'm seeing strange things on my screen.
Try refreshing your browser (command/control-R or F5). If that
doesn't work try a different browser. The javascript sometimes gets jammed up.
What font is being used?
Actually, I don't know. This tool is font agnostic. It trusts your
browser to find fonts that fit, so that you work with what is already on your
machine. If you don't like your font options, adjust the settings in your browser.
What does that line at the bottom, Unicode value or U+nnnn, mean?
That gives you the Unicode value of what you just clicked. Unicode
is the de facto standard for information interchange in different alphabets. To
learn more see Wikipedia.
Most everything is ok, but I'm seeing boxes for some of the
characters.
The underlying data is fine, but your browser either (1) has
assigned a font that doesn't support all the characters or (2) is cannot find a font
to support all the characters. If (1), go into your browser settings and pick a font
that supports the extra characters. If (2), install a font with more characters.
No. Everything is running on your computer, not my server. If you
disconnect from the Internet, the page should still work. (Believe me, I have more
interesting Syriac to read elsewhere.)
What is transcription mode?
A way of using the keyboard to do transcriptions. Suppose you have a
manuscript you're trying to transcribe. Click the button and put the new window just
under the line of a pdf or image of what you're transcribing. Now have at it. Cool,
huh?
Why do the combining characters not align correctly?
There's a complicated reason involving fonts, the software programs,
operating systems and how they interact. Trust me, though, the underlying data is
ok, even if it doesn't look completely correct. If you're looking for a good
reliable framework to view the fonts in, try InDesign, with a well-crafted
Unicode-compliant font that supports the given combining characters. Otherwise,
you'll have to make do with what you've got.
Why did you make this tool?
One day I was transcribing a manuscript and for the life of me I
couldn't remember where the dead keys were for the accents. This frustration
occurred on both PCs and Macs. The default keyboard key assignments for each
operating system are confusing and hard to memorize. I thought it would be easier
and faster if I could see the characters. And I thought I would help others in the
same predicament.