How can I create some shorthand notation for a custom control?

Question

Per this question, I have created a custom graphical control object which evaluates to a list of values. I would like to be able to create such an object quickly, rather than typing some command, pressing shift+enter, then copying the resulting object into wherever I want to use it. For example, something like typing \[Theta] which turns into θ... is it possible to create such a custom shorthand notation? (Even better, is it possible that when I start to type in a function which takes such a list as arguments, it pops up this control object for me to type the values in?)

Answer 1

Assuming you are referring to this control. You can

• Evaluate in a separate cell each time and copy paste (you don't like this)
• Write the command and evaluate in place
• Copy the control once and paste it several times: remember the variables were localized so each will have its own copy and they won't interfere

• Create a palette

  CreatePalette@PasteButton["Paste control", myControl["a"~CharacterRange~"g"]];
  

• Create a toolbar

  AppendTo[CurrentValue[InputNotebook[], DockedCells], 
   Cell@BoxData@
     ToBoxes@PasteButton["Paste control", 
       myControl["a"~CharacterRange~"g"]]]
  

• Create an input alias, or an input auto replacement. Example of input alias (the other one is the same)

  AppendTo[CurrentValue[InputNotebook[], InputAliases], 
   "control" -> ToBoxes@myControl["a"~CharacterRange~"g"]]