Help Center

You can install the application in two easy ways:

1. Go to our download page and download the EXE file.
2. Once downloaded, double-click the EXE file.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Alternatively, you can use Winget:

1. Open the Command Prompt or PowerShell.
2. Type the following command: winget install ptmrio.phrasevault.
3. Press Enter and follow the prompts to install the application.

To upgrade the application, please follow these steps:

• Close PhraseVault if it's currently running.
• Go to our home screen and download the new EXE file.
• Double-click the downloaded EXE file. It will automatically ask to uninstall any previous versions.

Alternatively, you can use Winget to upgrade:

• Open the command prompt or PowerShell.
• Type the following command: winget upgrade ptmrio.phrasevault.
• Press Enter and follow the prompts to complete the upgrade.

Note: Currently there is no automatic update feature, so please check our website regularly for new versions.

Windows SmartScreen may block the installation of PhraseVault, but don't worry, it's safe to proceed. Alternatively, you can always compile the application from the source code on GitHub yourself.

If you see a warning, follow these steps:

• Click on 'More info'.
• Click 'Run anyway' to start the installation.

If you have any concerns, please contact our support team for assistance.

Add new phrases by clicking the Plus button in the bottom right corner. To edit phrases click the pencil icon, and to delete phrases click the trash icon hidden behind the three dots.

To actually insert a phrase into a text field, follow these steps:

• Start PhraseVault if it's not already running.
• Place the cursor into the field or text editor where you want to insert a phrase.
• Press Ctrl + ..
• Search for the required phrase by typing, and use the down arrow key to navigate through the results.
• Press Enter to paste the phrase or press the copy button to manually copy it.

You can format your text using Markdown or HTML. Starting from version 2.1.4+, when creating or editing a phrase, you can choose between plain text, Markdown, and HTML. Simply select the desired format.

Markdown is useful for pasting formatted text into text editors, emails, or other applications while keeping the output clean and readable across different targets.

Here are some basic Markdown formatting options:

• To make text bold, use double asterisks: **bold**
• To make text italic, use single asterisks: *italic*
• To create a list, use hyphens or asterisks: - Item 1, - Item 2
• To create headers, use the hash symbol (#): # Header 1, ## Header 2, ### Header 3
• To create a link, use square brackets and parentheses: [link text](https://example.com)

For more advanced formatting, refer to a comprehensive Markdown resource: Markdown Guide.

HTML allows you to use more complex formatting and elements that can be inserted into applications supporting HTML. To use HTML, simply choose "HTML" when creating or editing a phrase and input your text in HTML format.

Yes, PhraseVault is designed for multi-user access. Here's how to use it:

Option 1:

1. Open PhraseVault.
2. Go to "Help" > "Show Phrase Database File" to locate your current database file.
3. Close PhraseVault completely.
4. Move the database file (which ends with .sqlite) to a NAS or cloud storage like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.
5. Reopen PhraseVault.
6. Go to "File" > "Open Database" and load the database from the new location.

Option 2:

1. Go to "File" > "New Database" to create a new database.
2. Save the new database file directly into a cloud folder.
3. Other users can load the database via "File" > "Open Database".

Example: A company uses Google Drive and places the database at G:\Team\Phrases\phrasevault.sqlite. All team members can then access the same phrases and templates.

Note: Ensure all installations of PhraseVault are kept at the same version to avoid compatibility issues.

Yes, you can mass insert or edit phrases using any database editor that can handle SQLite databases.

We recommend using a free and open-source editor like DB Browser for SQLite.

To get started, follow these steps:

• Download and install DB Browser for SQLite from their official website.
• Open DB Browser for SQLite and load your PhraseVault database file.
• Use the editor to insert or edit phrases in the database.

Remember to back up your database before making bulk changes to avoid data loss.

Enhance your experience with the application by following these best practices:

• Use Short Keywords as Titles

  Assign concise and memorable keywords to your phrases to make searching extremely fast and efficient. Examples:

  • EMAIL1 thank you
  • EMAIL2 closing line
  • EMAIL3 signature

• Maintain a Single Large Database

  For ease of use and better organization, it's recommended to use one large database instead of multiple smaller ones. This approach simplifies management and ensures all your phrases are readily accessible in one place.

PhraseVault is available in the following languages:

1. German (de)
2. English (en)
3. Spanish (es)
4. Italian (it)
5. French (fr)
6. Portuguese (pt)

How to Change the Language

1. Open PhraseVault.
2. Click on Language in the top menu bar.
3. Choose your preferred language from the list.

Help Us Improve Our Translations

If you spot any errors in our translations, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us with the details, and we’ll reward you with a free license as a token of our appreciation.

When exploring productivity tools, you might encounter terms like Auto Text, Text Expansion, Text Blocks, Phrase Management, and Text Replacement. While they all aim to save time and improve efficiency, each category serves a slightly different purpose. This guide explains the differences to help you find the right software for your needs.

What Is Auto Text Software?

Auto Text software is one of the most commonly used tools for automating text input. It works by allowing users to assign shortcuts or abbreviations to frequently used phrases, sentences, or paragraphs. For instance, typing "tyvm" could expand to "Thank you very much." Auto Text is a must-have for anyone who regularly types the same content, such as customer service representatives, sales professionals, or anyone managing repetitive communications.

By automating these repetitive tasks, Auto Text saves time and reduces typing errors. It's particularly useful for email responses, document creation, and even chat messaging. Because of its simplicity and widespread use, Auto Text software is often the entry point for people exploring text automation tools.

What Is Text Expansion Software?

Text Expansion software offers more advanced capabilities than Auto Text. While Auto Text focuses on simple replacements, Text Expansion allows users to create dynamic templates that can include variables, custom fields, or even entire document structures. For example, a user might set up a template for emails that automatically includes the recipient's name, date, or other personalized information.

This type of software is widely used by professionals who need to handle complex workflows, such as legal professionals drafting contracts, developers inserting code snippets, or businesses sending customized customer responses. Text Expansion software enhances productivity by automating not just repetitive phrases but also dynamic and variable-rich content.

What Are Text Blocks?

Text Blocks refer to pre-written pieces of text saved for reuse. Unlike Auto Text or Text Expansion, where content is triggered by shortcuts, Text Blocks are often accessed via a menu or library. This allows users to visually browse and select the text they need, making it ideal for managing long templates or complex documents.

For example, users might save entire paragraphs, formatted lists, or boilerplate content that can be reused across multiple projects. Text Blocks are particularly useful for professionals like writers, marketers, or project managers who frequently reuse structured content.

What Is Phrase Management Software?

Phrase Management software is designed to act as a central repository for frequently used phrases, sentences, or templates. It goes beyond simple text storage by offering features like categorization, search, and sharing. Teams can use Phrase Management tools to create a shared library of responses or templates, ensuring consistency across communications.

This type of software is especially useful in collaborative environments, such as customer support teams, where multiple users need quick access to approved phrases or templates. Phrase Management helps streamline workflows, maintain consistency, and ensure that everyone on a team has access to the same resources.

What Is Text Replacement Software?

Text Replacement software is a simpler tool that focuses on substituting specific words, abbreviations, or typos with predefined alternatives in real-time. It’s often used for tasks like correcting common spelling errors, expanding acronyms, or ensuring consistent formatting across documents.

For example, you could set up a replacement to automatically change "teh" to "the" or replace "btw" with "by the way." Text Replacement is lightweight and easy to use, making it an excellent choice for users who want basic automation without the complexity of more advanced tools like Text Expansion or Phrase Management.

How PhraseVault Combines Some Approaches Into a New One

PhraseVault introduces a unique and innovative way to handle text automation and management by integrating elements from various approaches while creating its own distinct workflow. Here's how PhraseVault stands out:

• One Single Shortcut System-Wide: With a universal shortcut, you can instantly access PhraseVault in any application, ensuring seamless integration into your daily tasks.

• Central Phrase Management: All your phrases are stored in a single, easy-to-access location, eliminating the need for scattered or disorganized text snippets.

• Optimized Search with Abbreviations and Titles: PhraseVault recommends storing phrases using an easy-to-remember abbreviation and a verbose description in the title. For example, "tyvm - Thank You Very Much" ensures clarity and quick access.

• Full-Text Search Without Memorizing Abbreviations: While abbreviations can help, there’s no need to remember them. PhraseVault’s powerful search function scans both titles and full-text expansions for maximum usability.

• Consistent Text Blocks: Reuse structured and formatted text blocks to ensure consistency across your communication, reducing errors and maintaining quality.

• Fewer Typing Errors: By automating repetitive phrases and blocks, PhraseVault helps minimize mistakes, improving your efficiency and accuracy.

• Future Features: PhraseVault is constantly evolving, with planned features like input prompts for dynamic phrases and intelligent functions such as current date or context-aware text insertion.

PhraseVault doesn’t just combine existing methods—it redefines them to create a tool that’s more flexible, intuitive, and suited to modern workflows. Whether you’re automating simple tasks or managing complex phrases, PhraseVault adapts to your needs while ensuring a smoother, more efficient experience.

Yes, you can use PhraseVault for 14 days for free. Our business model is based on trust, so we don't require a license key for activation. During the trial period, you'll have full access to all features. If you've previously purchased, simply choose 'I have already bought' in the app menu to continue using PhraseVault without interruption.

Yes, we offer a 50% discount for students and educators. Simply choose the education tier during checkout to apply the discount.

For students and people in training, please use your educational email address when ordering. If you don't have an educational email address, you can provide proof of your student or training status via email to qualify for the discount.

At PhraseVault, we’re committed to doing things differently. Inspired by the principles of FUTO and SourceFirst, we believe you should own what you buy, and our licensing reflects this idea.

PhraseVault especially upholds these principles:

1. Access to Source: You have the right to inspect and modify the source code.
2. No Advertisements: PhraseVault is completely ad-free.
3. Privacy is Respected: Your data is yours. We don’t track, collect, or share it.

This means PhraseVault doesn’t include telemetry, ads, or third-party services that might compromise your privacy. But it also means we don’t have a way to perform licensing checks.

How to Activate PhraseVault

We trust you! After purchasing, you’ll receive an invoice via email. This will serve as your proof of ownership. To activate PhraseVault:

1. Open PhraseVault.
2. Click Purchase in the menu bar.
3. Select I have already bought, then follow the steps.

Important: While we don’t check your license, using PhraseVault without purchasing is still theft. If necessary, we will take legal action to protect our work.

Thank you for supporting PhraseVault and helping us return control of technology to users like you!