Using Mac Text Replacements

Text replacements are the ultimate typing productivity tool. You can add to a list of short special words that will then expand into longer phrases as you type. Learn how to add, edit and delete Text Replacements and lots of tips and tricks like how to import and export them.

Comments: 9 Responses to “Using Mac Text Replacements”

    Eric
    1 year ago

    Note that when dragging the file from the desktop back to text replacement you can't do that if stage manager is active.

    Margaret
    1 year ago

    Hi Gary, can the text replacements be shared between MacBook and iPad?

    1 year ago

    Margaret: Yes. That happens automatically via iCloud.

    Margaret
    1 year ago

    Thanks Gary, this is partly off-topic, but is connected as the text replacement will be useful to help with declining vision. I looked to find out where the ‘globe’ key is and found how easy it is to dictate which I hadn’t started to do. However it doesn’t seem to be working with Pages, unless I have missed something.

    Now my request, please, is for a tutorial about the 10 best (or more) aids for people with low vision.I don’t know how I would manage without your videos. Thanks again. Margaret

    Jasper
    1 year ago

    As well as MS Word, MS Outlook won’t support text replacement. I assume it’s a problem with all non-native apps.

    I also use ‘@x’ for different email addresses, command keys (⌘, ⌥, etc, to remember shortcuts), and maths formulae that include Greek letters, for my job. Really useful.

    1 year ago

    Jasper: It works in most non-Apple apps. I use it in non-Apple apps all the time. Microsoft just goes its own with with its own text replacements in its apps.

    Elle
    12 months ago

    If I try editing an existing text replacement, it doesn't "save". In the keyboard shortcuts it shows the new text, but when using the shortcut, the old text is what is replaced. My only workaround is deleting and adding a new one and I do this daily with a shortcut I use for dates. Do you know of any fixes?

    12 months ago

    Elle: I've never had that problem, not sure what would cause it. But if you want to insert the date somewhere, there are better ways to do it. You could use a Shortcut (as in the Shortcuts app) or it can be done with my free ClipTools app: https://macmost.com/cliptools

    Lucian
    5 months ago

    Elle: It works after you quit the System Settings.

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