Type short codes that expand into long text — via Apple Support

Hidden settinglow riskmacOS 14 Sonoma and later

Text Replacements turn a short code into longer text as you type, for example 'addr' into your full address. It's a free, built-in text expander, and replacements you add on your Mac also show up on your iPhone and iPad.

Takes effect right away

How to do it

Open System Settings > Keyboard and click Text Replacements.
Click +, type the short code under Replace and the full text under With, then click Add.
Type the code in most apps and it expands.

Use codes that aren't real words so they don't trigger by accident. Replacements don't work in every app.

Sources

Replace text and punctuation in documents on Mac — by Apple Support

Source reviewed: 2026-11-02
Link checked: 2026-11-02
Tested hands-on: Not by Oddbyte.Me

Oddbyte.Me hasn't tried this on every macOS version, so keep the undo handy.

text replacementtext expandersnippetsshortcutstyping

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