Tech Tip: Text Expander Saves Typing and Time.
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TextExpander 2.5 ($30) isn’t for everyone, but if you find yourself typing on the computer on a daily basis, text substitutions can save you a lot of time. TextExpander automatically expands abbreviated text snippets into predefined words or phrases. It can also run scripts based on what you type. As an example, whenever I type “ctadd” on my Mac, TextExpander automatically replaces that abbreviation with the full CreativeTechs mailing address.
Watch some video tutorials to see TextExpander in action, and read a great review at Lifehacker to get a sense of the time-saving possibilities.
Source: This tip inspired by my recent visit to Forget Computers, a Mac IT support company in Chicago, whose team uses TextExpander every day. This write-up also inspired by a tip in the November 2008 issue of Design Tools Monthly.
November 24th, 2008 at 7:51 am
Words cannot express how great TextExpander is! Not only is it completely a bargain at $30, but this is software that will change every minute of your day. (of course, it would be nice if Apple built something like this into the OS, thus eliminating the need to pay $30)
In fact, when filling in this feedback for, I used a macro own name. Since I’m not at home right now, I was confused for a second why it didn’t spring to life.
Think of how many times a day your write your name, the date, the name of your company, etc.
November 24th, 2008 at 8:08 am
You know, I had not considered that using TextExpander might spoil me when I’m away from my MacBook. I already can’t live without a spellchecker — will I now forget how to write my own name without someone handy to expand the abbreviation?
PS> Prescott, you are officially the first person to leave a comment since we migrated our tips blog to Wordpress this weekend! Thanks for joining in.