How to Set Up Custom Text Shortcuts on Android

No matter how proficient you are with your Android phone, there is bound to be a few hidden features you are not aware of. One such feature you can do on Gboard and even the SwiftKey apps is set up custom text shortcuts. This allows you to have it automatically fill in the text for you when you type a certain prompt.

There are several uses for a custom text shortcuts. For example, you can set up email addresses or location addresses for a simple character, which when typed, will fill in the entire information automatically. Follow the steps below to set up custom text shortcuts on both the Gboard and SwiftKey keyboard apps on Android.

Also read: How to Use Gboard: The Ultimate Guide

Create Custom Text Shortcuts in Gboard

If you use Gboard as the default keyboard app on your Android device, follow these steps:

1. Go to “Settings -> System -> Language & input -> Virtual Keyboard.” Select Gboard and you will see a list of options for Gboard. (Note: this is the path to Gboard on a OnePlus device. Your phone may show a different path.)

2. From the list of options, you need to tap on the “Dictionary” option, then tap on “Personal dictionary.”

3. Select your language and tap on the “+” icon on the top bar to add a new shortcut.

4. Now all you need to do is type in the word in the first box, and in the second box, type in the custom text shortcut you wish to be autofilled.

In this example, I want “Make Tech Easier” to pop up as a suggestion whenever I type “MTE.”

5. Simply hit the back arrow key, and you will see the custom text shortcut added to your dictionary. From now on, whenever I type “MTE,” it will show “Make Tech Easier” as a pop-up suggestion.

Create Custom Text Shortcuts in SwiftKey

If you use SwiftKey as your default keyboard app, then the process of setting up custom text shortcuts is a bit different.

1. Open the SwiftKey app on your Android device and select the “Rich input” option from the list of options.

2. Under the Rich input settings, tap on “Clipboard,” then select “Add a new clip.”

3. In the “New clip” pop-up, enter your clip content and the text shortcut and press the “Save” button. In our case, I have chosen “Make Tech Easier” to be the word for the “MTE” shortcut.

That’s it. Now when you type the shortcut text, the full word will appear as a suggestion.

Wrapping Up

If you are using GBoard or Swiftkey, the above trick will allow you to create custom shortcuts and improve your productivity. You can also make funny emoji combos using Gboard.