Best macro app for Windows? Best download location for plug-ins?

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bj nick
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Post by bj nick » Mon Aug 01, 2022 5:08 pm

I've heard this answer before but can't find it: what's the best place to go for Finale plug-ins, both paid and otherwise?

And, what is the best macro-creating app for WINDOWS, since Keyboard Maestro is Mac-only? I've been told that Auto HotKey is the one; can anyone confirm? In terms of learning curve/user-friendly/etc. I'm not a "super-user" by any stretch; however, I've used macros plenty on MS Word. Thanks!
Last edited by bj nick on Tue Aug 02, 2022 5:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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N Grossingink
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Post by N Grossingink » Tue Aug 02, 2022 12:16 pm

JW Freeware Plugins
http://www.jwmusic.nu/jwplugins/wiki/do ... stallation

TG Tools
https://www.tgtools.com/downdocs.htm

Patterson Plugins
https://robertgpatterson.com/-fininfo/f ... ntent.html
I've been told that Auto HotKey is the one; can anyone confirm?
That seems to be the one most mentioned.
N. Grossingink
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bj nick
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Post by bj nick » Tue Aug 02, 2022 1:09 pm

Perfect. Thanks as always.
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bj nick
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Post by bj nick » Tue Aug 02, 2022 5:31 pm

I am downloading the Patterson plug-in assortment, but I don't understand how to put them into the right folder. I get a zip file, inside it is a Finale 26 folder, but it says to place it into the "Finale plug-ins" folder, which I don't see. I see Finale 26, and FinWin26, but that's it. I've tried copying it there but doesn't seem to work. Can I get a simple step-by-step?
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N Grossingink
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Post by N Grossingink » Tue Aug 02, 2022 6:43 pm

I would like to help but am unfamiliar with Windows Finale. Your first stop should probably be the user manual under the Help menu.
N. Grossingink
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miker
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Post by miker » Tue Aug 02, 2022 8:49 pm

Barry, go to program preferences > folders. You’ll see a list of folders, with the path to them. Follow the breadcrumbs in the Plug-ins line.
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bj nick
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Post by bj nick » Tue Aug 02, 2022 9:34 pm

Thanks Mike, that was helpful. I finally remembered that there's TWO places with "MakeMusic Finale" folders.....in AppData -> roaming, and in Program Files.....that's where the Plug-Ins folder resides....once I copied the folders to there, everything works as expected.
N Grossingink wrote:
Tue Aug 02, 2022 6:43 pm
I would like to help but am unfamiliar with Windows Finale. Your first stop should probably be the user manual under the Help menu.
I totally agree, and I almost always check there first. However, in this case, as in many others, one can search in vain and never find it. The menu is perfect for simple "where do I find this setting?" kind of things. I've had less luck with other things....such as this one, about plug-ins.
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AnneMillington
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Post by AnneMillington » Thu Aug 04, 2022 3:03 am

Also there is an additional step with the new JW/RGP Lua Plugins wherein you have to add the folder or files explicitly after copying to the PlugIns folder. For a very clear step-by-step, see Jason Loffredo's tutorial on the JW/RGP Lua plugins referenced in this very discussion section: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju99glhwsMs

Probably best to add the whole folder, as any further script additions will be added automatically to your Finale menu. I think. I have not verified this. But these are really simple, useful scripts to explore.

bj nick
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Post by bj nick » Thu Aug 04, 2022 4:39 am

Thank you for this Anne! I will definitely check it out. I've seen lots of Jason's videos, learned a lot from them. I even took a few lessons from him last year, great guy.
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