How to create text shortcuts in OS X Yosemite

Save some mileage on your fingers — and your keyboard — with this quick trick.

If you frequently type the same things over and over again, the Mac can save you the time and trouble of having to type it out in full each time. It involves something called text shortcuts and once you learn how to use them, you’ll never want to be without them.

How to create keyboard shortcuts on the Mac

Hold down the command key and press the space bar to invoke Spotlight.

Type “keyboard” (without the quotes). Locate and select the Keyboard system preference (either by pressing the cursor keys and return or using the mouse).

Click on the Text tab.

Click on the “+” button to create a new shortcut. Type in an easy to remember shortcut, then tab to enter its longer version.

Once you’re done, close the Keyboard system preference to save your changes.

Whenever you want to use the shortcut, just type it in. That’s all there is to it!

Bonus tip: If you find Yosemite’s autocorrection feature particularly troublesome, this is where you can deactivate it. Just uncheck the “Correct spelling automatically” box.