How to Set Up Custom Text Shortcuts on Android

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Unlock Android’s Hidden Power: Typing Like a Pro!

Think you’re an Android master? Prepare to be amazed. Ditch tedious typing with custom text shortcuts! Imagine transforming “ASAP” into “As Soon As Possible” instantly. Ready to warp speed your texting? We’ll reveal how to create these time-saving shortcuts using both your Android’s stock keyboard and a popular third-party alternative.

Good to know : on iOS, you can set up text shortcuts by using the Text Replacement feature.

Create a Custom Text Shortcut in Gboard

Your Android phone likely came equipped with Gboard, the go-to keyboard that’s seamlessly integrated and ready to roll right out of the box.

Unlock lightningfast typing on your Android! Dive into your phone’s Settings, then venture toSystem >Keyboard. Get ready to create text shortcuts that’ll make you a texting superhero.

Tapping on "Keyboard" in System Settings on Android.

SelectOn-screen keyboardin the menu.

Selecting "On-screen keyboard" option in Android System Settings.

“Notice Gboard gracing the top of your screen. It’s powered on from the get-go, but tap to unlock a treasure trove of customizations within its settings.”

Tapping on Gboard option in Android Settings.

Or, picture this: you’re mid-text in WhatsApp, fingers flying, and need quick access to those settings. Simply summon your keyboard and tap the enigmatic four-square icon perched at the top – your shortcut to customization awaits.

Tapping four square icon in Gboard while using WhatsApp.

Select the gear icon in the next screen to go to Gboard’s Settings.

Tapping gear icon in Gboard while using WhatsApp.

SelectDictionaryin the menu.

Selecting "Dictionary" in Gboard Settings.

Tap onPersonal dictionary.

Tapping on "Personal dictionary" in Gboard Settings.

Select your language.

Selecting language in Gboard Settings.

Here, press the+button in the upper-right corner to add a new shortcut.

Pressing "+" button to add a new text shortcut for Gboard.

Craft a time-saving text shortcut: First, input the expanded phrase at the top. Next, designate your trigger word below. Hit ‘back’ to lock in your new shortcut and unleash instant texting power.

Creating new text shortcut for Gboard on Android.

“When crafting custom abbreviations, ensure they’re distinct from everyday words. Avoid collisions with common terms like ‘bat’ or ‘sip’ to prevent unintended insertions.”

Tired of typing the same phrases repeatedly? Unleash this feature’s true power by creating shortcuts for those frequently used text snippets. Think of it as your personalized cheat sheet for speed and efficiency. For instance:

  • mu = miss you
  • wb = welcome back
  • sol = sooner or later
  • otl = out to lunch
  • tmi = too much information
  • MTE = Make Tech Easier

Email & phone info

  • @1 = your Gmail address
  • @2 = your Outlook address (and so on)
  • #1 = private phone number
  • #2 = work phone number

Emoji

  • sml= (•‿•)
  • kit= =^● ⋏ ●^=
  • wnk= ( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡° )

Websites

  • MTE=www.makatecheasier.com
  • wuni=www.academicguides.waldenu.edu/home

Special characters

  • Ronan = Rónán
  • cr = ©

Basic holiday/birthday wishes

May the melody of Christmas fill your days with joyful harmonies, a symphony that resonates throughout the coming year.

Tip : here’s how you can extract text from an image on your Android device.

Create a Custom Text Shortcut in SwiftKey

Tired of typing the same phrases over and over? Unleash the true power of SwiftKey, the Android keyboard app loved by millions, and create custom text shortcuts that will supercharge your typing speed. Ready to transform your smartphone into a productivity powerhouse? Here’s how to create your first text shortcut in SwiftKey.

Open the SwiftKey app on your phone and selectRich input.

Opting for "Rich input" option in SwiftKey Settings.

Tap onClipboardat the top.

Tapping on "Clipboard" in SwiftKey Settings.

At the bottom, selectAdd a new clip.

Tapping on "Add a new clip" option in SwiftKey settings.

Enter the shortcut at the bottom and add the expanded text in the top field. PressSave.

Creating new text shortcut in the SwiftKey app.

Hunting for text shortcuts within your Android keyboard app? Dive into its settings – you’ll likely find a similar feature tucked away!

How to Use Text Shortcuts in Chats

Ready to unleash lightning-fast texting on your Android? Fire up any messaging app – SMS, WhatsApp, even Gmail – because your custom text shortcuts are about to revolutionize your communication.

Unleash lightning-fast emoji magic! Both Gboard and SwiftKey let you conjure custom shortcuts. Type your secret code in the message bar, but hold your horses! Before hitting send, watch the suggestion bar appear above the keyboard. There, nestled amongst the usual suspects, you’ll find your pre-programmed text or symbol, ready to pounce. For instance, typing a specific phrase might summon a purrfectly crafted feline emoji!

Inserting text shortcut in messaging app from virtual keyboard.

FYI : learn how to make funny emoji combos with Gboard on Android.

Remove Text Shortcuts on Android

In case you ever wish to remove the text shortcut, it’s easy to do.

Tap to open one of the shortcuts available. Press the bin icon in the upper right to delete it.

Deleting text shortcut from Gboard on Android.

For SwiftKey users, you can also remove a shortcut without leaving the messaging app you’ve been chatting in.

Bring up SwiftKey and tap the three dots in the upper-right corner.

Pressing the three dot icon on ShiftKey app while using WhatsApp.

TapSettings.

Pressing "Settings" in SwiftKey app while using WhatsApp.

Go toRich input ->Clipboardand find your shortcuts at the bottom.

Swipe left on the shortcut card to reveal theDeletebutton. Tap it to remove the shortcut.

Deleting text "Shortcut" from SwiftKey app on Android.

If you’ve made a mistake, you have a few seconds to tapUndo deleteto restore the shortcut.

Gboard: Not Just Tapping, It’s Telepathy (Almost!).

Remember painstakingly backspacing through a typo-ridden text? Kiss those days goodbye. Gboard’s new Undo/Redo feature is a time machine for your thumbs, letting you instantly rewind or fast-forward through your edits. But that’s not all – feeling cryptic? Unleash your inner telegraph operator because Gboard also speaks Morse code! So, whether you’re a seasoned spy or just enjoy a quirky challenge, Gboard’s evolving intelligence keeps your typing game ahead of the curve.

Thanks for reading How to Set Up Custom Text Shortcuts on Android

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