StrokesPlus.net

StrokesPlus.net is a powerful utility tool that lets you perform functions that would normally require more than one input, all with just a mere mouse gesture. Besides allowing for more basic functionalities such as supplanting a simple CTRL+F5 refresh with a mouse gesture, the possibilities one has with this app stretch far beyond that.

Whilst the proposition of drawing mouse gestures and have the system account for them as intricate keystrokes sounds a bit silly, there’s a lot of benefit to be had if one converts to the StrokesPlus way. Essentially, you assign a certain mouse button with which you would draw, and then there’s the gesture itself, easily configurable in the app.

You can use the default ones — which are thoughtful enough — but there’s always the option to personalize things to your liking. It’s cool that you can draw an “e” shape to open File Explorer, for example.

If you want something more, there’s plenty of room for that as well. For instance, you can use the already-drawn preset gestures and assign different interpretations to them, or you can start anew by scribbling down new stuff to which you can assign whatever meaning you desire.

There’s a lot one can do with StrokesPlus. To delve more into the options discussed prior, it’s worth talking about the different commands you can assign to specific gestures. From the rather typical mouse gesture of raising and lowering the volume — a straight line to the right or to the left, respectively — you can also assign things such as running a program, opening the Control Panel, or even emptying the recycle bin. All with a gesture.

In conclusion, StokesPlus has a lot to offer. As an example, I was able to have a simple mouse gesture open my default browser, enter a link, and actually go to that page – all by way of a simple scribble.