How to set up text replacement on a Mac

Open System Settings > Keyboard, click Text Replacements, then click +. Type the short code and the full phrase, click Add, and the Mac expands the code whenever you type it followed by a space.

How to do it

  1. Open System Settings > Keyboard.

  2. Click Text Replacements.

  3. Click the + button. Put the long text in the Phrase column and the short code in Shortcut.

  4. Click Add, switch to an app, type the shortcut, and press Space.

If the iPhone list is already full of shortcuts, give iCloud a minute. The Mac list usually fills in on its own.

Questions people ask

Can I use the same list as my iPhone?

Yes. If the Mac and the iPhone share an Apple Account with iCloud, the list syncs. Give it a minute after you add something.

Which apps support text replacement?

Most apps that use the standard Mac text fields, such as Mail, Notes, Messages and Safari. Some apps with their own editors ignore it.

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