Text expanders are applications that allow the user to perform repetitive tasks with just a few keystrokes. They save time when phrases, entire paragraphs, and even emoji combinations, are used repeatedly. Text expanders can be utilized by either using a combination of keypresses that either inserts the text or calls up a menu of choices. Alternately one can type a combination of letters to activate filling in the text. You may have already used this on your cell phone without realizing it. When texting via cell phone, often abbreviations like OMW are expanded to their full text. In this example, OMW is expanded to On My Way, without the user intervening.

Keystrokes can be saved and referenced if you often communicate a website address. Links to different pages within a website can also be assigned a shortcut. Shortcuts can also be updated if these URLs were to change without having to memorize the new information.

Other examples include standardized text such as emails to communicate with customers as well as internally. In these instances, time spent on keystrokes is reduced, and when changes are required text can be updated across a team as well.

These collaborative text expanders are often used in business. Such as when an employee creates a well-worded response to a situation it can be shared throughout the business. Forms can also be automated so teams have access to a standard set of information to act on. This is helpful for situations like support requests that always require the same basic troubleshooting information.

Text expanders are also useful for online chat. Repeat inquiries that are the same can be answered quickly and with standardized information. This not only saves time but keeps answers consistent with company policy.

Programming is another instance where text expansion utilities are used. When the same code or even blocks of code are used repeatedly, not only is time saved but typographical errors are reduced as well.

On the website of a popular product which is literally called “textexpander”, the company states that users can save up to 31 hours a month with their software. Text expanders do have a learning curve before they can be used on a regular basis. Once they are learned and become second nature they can save both time and effort.