Source abbreviations, short cuts, quick keys
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I have not been using the Source abbreviations much. Is there any benefit? Any thoughts or suggestions on quicker entries?
I used ABBR for all my Sources only to wonder how I can use it to list in group order. And, there's really no way to search on the field. I have mine by type of Source, all my obits, birth registrations, census etc. Thought it woud be helpful when listing Sources to sort on that field, but not possible (unless I knew PHP to write the list).
Thomas
Mac is right. PGV doesn't really use ABBR anywhere at all. You can search on it though, as the General Search looks at everything in the GEDCOM. Only useful if the abbreviations are unique though.
Do you mean when referring to a source while entering / editing an event etc, or when actually creating the Source?
Either way - do you use 'autocomplete'?
With that you can enter any part of the title in the input box (where you might usually enter "Sxxx") and it will list all source titles that contain that string. Select the one you want and it will add the "Sxxx" necessary for you. I use it all the time, except for those I use so often I can remember the ID.
When I want to enter a SOURCE, I start typing the first characters of that Source, such as "188," I am given a list of a number of Sources with those characters, such as "1880 United States Census" and "Indiana Deaths, 1882-1920," etc.
I haven't quite decided the quickest or best method yet, and am looking for your "lessons learned."
I installed an add-on to Firefox that has autocomplete feature added to the contextual menu options. It means I don't have to repeatedly type the same Author, the same Citation (and any other gedcom items that are re-used). I find there aren't enough autocomplete options within PGV itself or Firefox. (I need it to save strain on my wrists, not just for ease of entry.)
What I'm now find a major project is making my SOURs more consistent because I never remember how I did the entry for previous BMD vitals or other Sources that repeat (obituaries, registrations, etc)