Text Expander
Do you often type the same phrase or phrases in your computer applications?
Take advantage of a feature called Text Expander (Apple calls them “Shortcuts”) to summon these phrases without typing them each time; just type a few letters and the whole phrase appears.
If I frequently type my email address, I might make a shortcut “em1” that represents my extended email address:the.it.girl.llc@gmail.com
To set up a shortcut on the iPad and iPhone:
- Settings > General > Keyboard
- Scroll to the bottom and tap “Add new shortcut”
- Type the words or phrase in the top box
- Type the shortcut in the bottom box.
- Tap “Save”
Now, in an email, note, text, or search engine, type the shortcut characters and the expanded phrase appears in a bubble below your text. Tap the space bar to accept the expanded text.
Be sure your shortcut is not a combination of letters you would otherwise type; you will summon your expanded text when you don’t want it. ( Tap the “x” in the bubble to reject the expanded text)
Pretty cool!? Even cooler is that these shortcuts are iCloud-based; if you create a shortcut on your iPad, it will also work on your iPhone.
Many computers, tablets, and smartphones have this feature built-in, but if yours doesn’t, you can purchase a third-party app or program to include it.
Enjoy more efficient typing!