Add Definitions
Hoot enables the addition of custom definitions in the database. A collection of brief definitions is included in the distributed Hoot database. Users of a custom database from version 1.6.5 and before can download and add those definitions to their copy. Currently the display of definitions is only available in slide shows.
Since this is a new feature, before adding definitions, make a backup or copy of the database file (Hoot.accdb or Hoot.mdb). If the dictionary file is poorly formatted multiple attempts to add the definitions will add words or definitions to the database that can't easily be removed.
Access the Add Definitions in Settings > List Tools.
From the Add Definitions screen, select the dictionary file and then give it a title. You can also select a language, and it will be saved, but it will not currently be considered in the displays. Although you can add multiple dictionary definitions, only one definition is displayed in the slide show.
Hoot reads a plain text file in one of two formats.
- One Per Line:
Reads each line and assigns the line to the first word in the line as the definition. - Tab and Spaces:
Each line in the file will contain one or more words separated by spaces, then a tab, and then the definition that will apply to each of those words. This is the definition format that Mike Wolfberg uses in his definition file.
There is a test function at the bottom of this screen that allows you to lookup a definition. Simply enter the word and press Lookup and the definition will be displayed in the progress box. If multiple definitions have been added for a word they will be shown by this Lookup, though only one will be displayed in the Slide Show.