Show Typing in Training Simulation Mode

[Guest]

Hi -

I recorded some screens using the Training Simulation mode and I'm wondering if it's possible to allow the end user to control the flow until they get a screen where they need to type something in a text field. At this point I would like to just have the end user see the typing appear on the screen. After the typing appears the end user could then click on the appropriate button to continue with the Training Simulation.

For example: How to Save a Word Document.
The end user would click on File to display the File menu. Then click on Save As... to display the Save As dialog box. The name of document file they are saving would automatically type (show typing) for them then the user clicks on the Save button.

Is this scenario possible?

[CatBandit]

Hi Chris,
It's not only possible but *normal* to Captivate movies. Before recording the movie, be sure that on "Options > Recording Options"

1) the "Enable Auto Recording box is checked.

2) Also check the same tab under the "Sound" category to be certain that "Record Keystrokes" is selected,

3) and also "Hear Keyboard Tap Sounds" if you want that, also.

When you record the movie, type the text you want in any field and Captivate will display it as "typed input" during playback.

Welcome to the community!
.

[Guest]

CatBandit thanks for the response but perhaps I didn't explain clearly what I am try to do.

The recording mode I am using is 'Training Simulation' and in this mode when I play back the movie the end user has to type in the text in a certain field. What I would like is the text to automatically type without user involvement. The rest of movie should act the same as any other Training Simulation mode movie where the user must click on certain buttons before they proceed to the next slide.

I looked into putting a text animation in the text field but didn't like any of the options. I also know it's possible to have the Text Entry Box have 'default text' but it doesn't actually type the text. The text in this solution just appears in the text field.

At times there is an option to 'Show Typing' when I right click on a slide that contains text I typed when recording but at other times 'Show Typing' doesn't even appear on the right click menu.

Under what circumstances will 'Show Typing' appear in the right click menu when recording in the 'Training Simulation' mode.

[CatBandit · Accepted solution]

Hi Chris,
My apologies for the misunderstanding. You can't directly do what you want in the Training Simulation recording mode because by default the mode settings eliminate capture of typing and replace it with the text-entry box. Sorry.

There are several ways to handle the situation, though. One is to record in Demonstration mode. Be sure that "Record Keystrokes" is checked, on the Options > Recording Options dialog. The keystrokes will be recorded for you. Of course, then you will have to add the interactivity (click-boxes, etc.) that would have been entered for you in the simulation mode.

Another option you might like better is to go to my friend and fellow community expert Paul Dewhurst's web-site and get a text-animation called "aimee typing". After downloading it, just place it in the folder:
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Captivate 2\Gallery\TextAnimations (for Captivate version 2), or
C:\Program Files\Macromedia\Captivate\Gallery\TextAnimations (for version 1).

Paul's web-site is at:
http://www.raisingaimee.co.uk/
and what you need is located in the "Downloads" section (see panel on the left for links). There are a bunch (13?) of text-animations there, and if I were you I'd get them all - be aware you may have to register and/or pay Paul for them, but they are worth far more than he asks - if he is charging for them.

With Paul's text animation you can add "live" typing effects on the fly, controling the font, font size, font color, and typing speed. It does take a little planning to get things to appear correctly and at the right time, but is not very difficult.

To answer your last question, "Show Typing" should never appear when you have recorded in Training Simulation mode - because typing is never captured in that mode. Good luck and have a great day!
.

[Guest]

Larry -

Thanks.... the typing animation solution will work just fine. And I send a thanks out to Paul as well for creating this animation.