Are you aware of the hidden features on your Android device? One invaluable trick is the ability to set up custom text shortcuts. By simply typing a brief character sequence, you can have your Android phone automatically expand it into a more extensive phrase, enhancing your typing speed significantly. This guide will help you configure text shortcuts using Android’s default keyboard, Gboard, and the popular third-party keyboard application, SwiftKey.
Setting Up Custom Text Shortcuts with Gboard
For many Android users, Gboard serves as the primary virtual keyboard, coming pre-installed and ready for use. To get started with creating your first text shortcut, head over to your device’s Settings app.
- Select System followed by Keyboard.
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- Choose On-screen keyboard from the options presented.
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- Find Gboard at the top of the next screen, where you can adjust its settings.
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- You can also access these settings from within any messaging application, such as WhatsApp. Simply tap the four-square icon on the keyboard’s toolbar.
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- Select the gear icon to enter Gboard’s settings.
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Now, navigate to Dictionary and tap on Personal dictionary.
Select your preferred language, then press the + button located in the upper-right corner to add a new shortcut.
In this screen, input the trigger text at the bottom and the corresponding expanded phrase at the top. To finalize your shortcut, simply press the back icon.
To maximize efficiency, consider using shortcuts for frequently typed phrases:
- mu = miss you
- wb = welcome back
- sol = sooner or later
- otl = out to lunch
- tmi = too much information
- MTE = Make Tech Easier
Email and Phone Information Shortcuts
- @1 = your Gmail address
- @2 = your Outlook address
- #1 = private phone number
- #2 = work phone number
Emoji Shortcuts
- sml = (•‿•)
- kit = =＾● ⋏ ●＾=
- wink = (͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)
Website Links
- MTE = www.maketecheasier.com
- wuni = www.academicguides.waldenu.edu/home
Special Characters
- Ronan = Ronan
- cr = ©
Common Holiday/Birthday Wishes
- merryc = May this Christmas be filled with happiness in all that you do, and may this joy continue throughout the entire year.
Creating Custom Text Shortcuts with SwiftKey
SwiftKey, developed by Microsoft, is another popular choice among Android keyboard users. If you’ve opted for SwiftKey as your default keyboard, follow these simple steps to create your own text shortcuts.
- Open the SwiftKey app and select Rich input.
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- Click on Clipboard located at the top menu.
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- At the bottom, tap Add a new clip.
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- Input your shortcut at the bottom and the complete text in the upper field, then press Save.
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Utilizing Text Shortcuts in Messaging Apps
Once your shortcuts are set up, you can easily use them in any messaging or chat app, including email services like Gmail.
When typing, input your shortcut but refrain from hitting the Send button immediately. Instead, select the word or symbol that corresponds to your shortcut from the suggestion bar above the keyboard. For illustration, you can insert a text emoji resembling a cat.
Eliminating Text Shortcuts on Android
If at any point you wish to remove a text shortcut, the process is uncomplicated.
For Gboard users, this can be done without leaving your messaging app. Simply return to the Settings, navigate to Dictionary, and select Personal dictionary, similar to the setup process.
Select the shortcut you wish to delete and click on the bin icon located in the upper-right.
For SwiftKey users, the delete function is equally straightforward. While in the messaging app, tap the three dots in the upper-right corner.
Next, select Settings, navigate to Rich input and then to Clipboard to find your existing shortcuts at the bottom. Swipe left on the shortcut card to reveal the Delete button, and tap it to remove the shortcut.
In case of accidental deletion, you’ll have a brief window to tap Undo delete to recover the shortcut.
Android keyboards continue to evolve, with Gboard leading the way by adding features like Undo/Redo functionality and the ability to type using Morse code. Stay updated to take full advantage of these innovations!
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