Daily Tip: How to setup a keyboard shortcut for a username, email address or well used phrase

Wondering how to save time and effort entering common information like your name, email address, or phone number? The good news is iOS 5 has a special feature called “Shortcuts” that lets you define a word or phrase to a key combination. Follow along and we will show you how easy it is to setup and how it can save you a lot of time too:-

  • Go to Settings

  • Click on General

  • Click on Keyboard

  • You will now see a predefined shortcut which is triggered by typing omw
  • Click on Add New Shortcut

  • Type in a username, email address or phrase you use a lot
  • Now choose a letter combination to trigger the shortcut

  • Hit Save and that's stored for future use
  • Add as many as you like

  • When you are finished you will see a list of your shortcuts under General>Keyboard
  • Now open up an app that you can type into, we will use Notes
  • Type in the shortcut for one of your phrases, you will see the whole phrase open up in a bubble below

  • Hit the Space Bar and the whole phrase appears

It really is as simple as that, but if you set them up and remember the shortcut this can save you a stack of time.

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chrisoldroyd

UK editor at iMore, mobile technology lover and air conditioning design engineer.