Saqqara Technology


InScribe 2008

InScribe 2008 from Saqqara Technology is a new, upcoming, version of the popular Word Processor for Egyptian Hieroglyphs. See InScribe 2008 Preview for some illustrations. We are currently looking at mid-2008 for final release.

Meanwhile, an InScribe 2008 Beta Program is available with pre-orders for InScribe 2008. The InScribe 2008 hieroglyphic fonts are now released to members of the Beta Program and other materials will be provided when available.

New features include:

  • Expanded (over 3200 glyphs) hieroglyphic font conforming with the EGPZ specification for hieroglyphs in the Unicode Private Zone. See www.egpz.com for the EGPZ 1.0 specification and hieroglyph list.
  • Egyptian transliteration with Unicode 5.1 support for Alef and Ayin (the Unicode 5.1 standard is currently in beta and scheduled for release in March 2008). Coptic and Greek script support is also to be included.
  • User interface improvements. For instance, features such as bold and italic text are now treated using familiar word-processing techniques, while retaining the connection with Manuel de Codage (MdC) notation.
  • New methods of working with other applications. InScribe remains the only software for Egyptian Hieroglyphs interoperable with word processing software like Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, and OpenOffice/StarOffice Writer. Hieroglyphs in Unicode open up new ways of working with Ancient Egyptian.
  • Word list support enabling simpler text input and richer modes of use of the software.
  • InScribe XML (INSX) file format
    • . The new XML file format opens up additional ways of working with InScribe texts.

Despite substantial technical changes to the product, InScribe 2004 users will find that much is familiar and mode of use can be much the same except when you choose to use the new features.

InScribe 2008 will be supplied on CD-ROM and requires Microsoft Windows Vista or XP (& variations such as Tablet, x64 and Media Centre editions). Virtual PC for Mac or other virtual Windows systems can also be used so long as these are Windows-compatible.