You probably use a certain number of links, shortcuts, or phrases frequently. For example, you often find yourself linking to your email address, but need to retype it every time as a shortcut. Or you want your Mac to automatically replace "btw" with "by the way".
There is an easy way to go about it: creating custom shortcuts. These enable you to write specific words or phrases that your Mac will recognize and suggest to replace, even with links!
Creating the shortcuts
First, go to System Preferences, click on Keyboard, and then click Text.
- How To Use Custom Shortcuts When Typing Text In OS X
To create a custom shortcut, click on the + button, enter the word you want to be replaced, and then the word, phrase, or hyperlink you want to associate with the shortcut.
After you do that, whenever you go onto Safari, Mail or a document on your Mac, you can simply type the shortcut you want and it will automatically recommend the word or phrase associated with the shortcut. All you have to do to add it is hit the space bar to accept the recommendation.
- How To Use Custom Shortcuts When Typing Text In OS X
You can also use special characters like the Apple logo and many others. Just check the Character Viewer to see all the characters and emoji available in OS X.