This hidden Apple function is a productiveness recreation changer

Usually talking, Apple’s numerous working programs get a foul rap for providing a restricted set of options when in comparison with the likes of Home windows, Android, and Linux. Whereas it is true that Apple tailors its software program to adapt to its ‘walled backyard’ ecosystem strategy, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, et al. do embody fairly just a few superior configuration choices, lots of that are wholly unknown to the common person.

One such function that is criminally underutilized known as Textual content Replacements, and it has been round for fairly a while throughout Apple’s numerous software program platforms. In brief, the utility lets you create a listing of shortcut-esque textual content strings, that are then robotically swapped out for user-prescribed phrases, symbols, or emojis when written right into a given textual content area. Once you add a Textual content Substitute onto one Apple gadget, it robotically synchronizes throughout all different Apple merchandise which are signed in with the identical Apple Account.

In case you’ve ever texted a pal ‘omw’ solely to frustratingly have your iPhone or MacBook change the textual content to ‘On my means!,’ then you definitely’re already conversant in Textual content Replacements to a cursory diploma. This specific alternative is enabled by default on all Apple units — maybe as a solution to showcase the function in motion — although it could actually admittedly be somewhat annoying if you do not know methods to modify or disable it.

Fortunately, it is simple to change the omw alternative shortcut to your liking, in addition to so as to add quite a few far more helpful entries to the Textual content Substitute checklist itself. Personally, I’ve loaded up my checklist with helpful quick-access shortcuts for lesser-used symbols and emoticons which are in any other case more durable to enter on the fly, and it continues to save lots of me a ton of time when textual content messaging family and friends. I’ve additionally arrange helpful Textual content Replacements for robotically getting into in my delivery deal with, my work e-mail, my phone quantity, and different related info that I usually must cite when crunching by means of work-related emails.

Methods to get began with Textual content Replacements

The function works throughout iPhone, iPad, Mac, and extra

Regardless of being such an extremely useful utility, the Textual content Replacements function is tucked away somewhat deep inside the Settings software of every of Apple’s respective platforms.

To entry Textual content Replacements on iOS and iPadOS, comply with these steps:

1. Launch Settings.
2. Navigate to Basic > Keyboard > Textual content Substitute.

On macOS, comply with these steps to entry the function:

1. Launch System Settings.
2. Navigate to Keyboard > Textual content Replacements…

On visionOS, the function is accessible by following these steps:

1. Launch Settings.
2. Navigate to Basic > Keyboard > Textual content Substitute.

As soon as you’ve got reached the principle Textual content Replacements web page in your Apple gadget, it is time to get configuring. Throughout all platforms, merely faucet or click on on the + glyph icon so as to add a brand new entry. Two textual content fields will seem on-screen, with the primary being Substitute and the second being With (on older software program variations, these textual content fields may as an alternative learn Shortcut and Phrase, respectively).

From right here, merely add your required phrase or phrase to the Substitute/Shortcut part, adopted by your expanded phrase or phrase to the With/Phrase part. Lastly, faucet or click on on the Save/Add button to decide to the entry. There is not any restrict to the variety of Textual content Replacements you may configure on a given gadget, and it is simple to return and delete undesirable entries in the event you occur to vary your thoughts at a later date.