How to Create Text Abbreviations on a Mac

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Click on the Apple icon.

   It's the Apple logo in the top left corner of the menu screen.
2. 2

   Step 2: Click System Preferences.

   ,,, It's near the bottom left corner of the Keyboard window. , Your abbreviation will be used to indicate what your Mac will replace the text with.
   
   Make sure you pick a unique abbreviation, meaning that it should be different from any other abbreviations registered on your Mac. ,, The replacement text is what your Mac will automatically fill in for you when you type it's corresponding abbreviation.
   
   For example, if your abbreviation is "omg," and your replacement text is "oh my goodness," every time you type in "omg," your Mac will fill it in as "oh my goodness."
   
   Each time you type in the abbreviated text, your Mac will substitute it with the replacement text.
   
   Certain apps, such as Google Chrome, are not compatible with this feature.Many applications will require you to enable this feature manually.
   
   To work around changing each app's settings individually, open Terminal.
   
   Type in "defaults write
   -g WebAutomaticTextReplacementEnabled
   -bool true" Press ↵ Enter.
   
   This enables all compatible apps to use text abbreviations.
3. 3

   Step 3: Click the "Keyboard" icon.

4. 4

   Step 4: Click Text.

5. 5

   Step 5: Click +.

6. 6

   Step 6: Type in the abbreviation.

7. 7

   Step 7: Press Tab ↹.

8. 8

   Step 8: Type in the replacement text.

9. 9

   Step 9: Click the red "X" button.

Detailed Guide

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