Inserting and Replacing Text With Shortcuts

[@heworley]

You are a wonder! Thanks very much for your informative video. I learned a lot from it as usual. Glad to be Patreon supporter. I have been looking for sometime how to do the the date insert and this is the perfect solution!!

[@BrixsDNAfortnite]

Exactly! I use this knowledge to input dates!!

[@TheEricBooth]

You know what I love about these videos other than the great information? It's the no B.S. approach. Just get to the topic, explain it, then thank us for watching.

[@infiniteloop1776]

This is the clearest and most useful use-case for Shortcuts for regular users that I've seen. Thank you!

[@strengthbody7941]

Gary Please Record more video with Application Shortcuts. Now I can see the real power of the Apple ecosystem. Thanks to you and your work. Are you planning a course with this app in the future?

[@macmost]

I've done several Shortcuts tutorials so far, search for them. I may do a course, but it is such a big subject I could do 200 videos in the course and still the chances of one of those being useful to a single person are slim.

[@huevosytostada]

THANK YOU!!! So helpful. Straight to the point and easy to follow. A step by step explanation of how to do this was exactly what I've been searching for a long time. I wasted so much time with other garbage videos.

[@harryhellerman474]

I enjoy learning more about shortcuts.

[@alrdye]

Thank you for this! This actually lets me replace an annoying 3rd party app that keeps bugging me to buy it even though I'm not breaching their free to use terms. Thank you for putting in the time and effort to share this material. It's very well presented. Very methodical.

[@wonjec]

Thanks for the video showing the Date shortcut as I've spend sometime trying to to get the Automator to work

[@jimterrinoni6781]

Very clearly communicated. Also, I agree that selecting the prompt rather than using the Shortcut the first time is a good idea; this helps in the Photos app if you try to export using a Shortcut for the first time.

[@OvandeFurtado]

Great video! I was wondering if there is a way to use a specific word+symbol to insert text. For instance: If text is : this is text then, using "/txt" instead of keyb shortcut, would produce: this is text

[@macmost]

Yes, Text Replacements. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqnVmJtmgt6msNk

[@mikerisner]

This is a terrific tutorial on such an innovative way to use Shortcuts! So simple and powerfully convenient!

[@nodraw_]

OMG The date shortcut is genius! I needed this! Thanks, Gary

[@loisskiathitis8926]

A very useful and informative video tutorial today! Thank you, Gary! 👏❤️

[@douggottlieb]

❤ This was great. I’m going to try it. I frequently have long lists of words and phrases that are the only approved responses for text. List seems like the way to enforce consistency and maybe something like DataJar to store lists that serve multiple shortcuts and uses. Given that I have lots of long lists, manually adding entries one at a time and keeping them sorted when I add new terms later is rough. Can I automate population of lists with Shotcuts? Seems like it could, but I’m not seeing how to do it. Any ideas? Will it also work across Mac, iOS, and iPad? THANKS!

[@macmost]

This wouldn't work on an iPhone or iPad. Also hard to build a system like you suggest. You'd almost just have to develop your own app in Xcode. Of course a lot of apps like some clipboard managers and keyboard tools already do things like that.

[@carlsefni]

About 4 years ago, you posted a video explaining how to enclose text in quotation marks (or any other characters) using Javascript in Automator? These instructions still work, but since Automator is kind of being replaced by Shortcuts, I wonder whether there is a way to enclose text in quotation marks (or any other characters) using Shortcut?

[@macmost]

That just used some JavaScript. You can also use JavaScript in Shortcuts so it should translate over quite easily. Use what you learned from this video about handling text and then combine that with the JavaScript from the old automator tutorial.

[@slagdor6830]

I love this video! I'm just wondering if there is a way to insert an image (from Finder) or get a file open... prompt (to insert an image)? I am trying to use this to create an email where I commonly insert an image at the end of my email. I used your video to write out 99% of the email in a text box, ask for a few inputs from the user, and all of it works great! I just need to figure out this image part. I will explore your other videos. And I'm now subscribed because this is just awesome and your video is so clear and easy to follow.

[@macmost]

I don't think you'll be able to do that. Maybe by using a Shell script to trigger some keyboard shortcut, but I haven't tried that in this case.

[@tripmorris5539]

I learned so much from this video, thank you. I’m wondering if there’s a way to insert phrases of text using a shortcut by voice? For example “ Sign letter” outputs my normal letter closing.

[@slagdor6830]

This is an incredibly helpful video! Thanks so much!

[@louismarquez9562]

This is amazing but im trying to do this on my ipad pro but the settings dont look the same!

[@louismarquez9562]

The "Run with:" feature is not shown on the ipad

[@RandallLeeReetz]

Thanks Gary! My problem is this. I am using a shell command to return the machine's serial number and later to return the epoch seconds (I intend to combine and use as a unique ID). The problem is that shell returns the machine serial number with a line feed of some sort. I insert both the serial number and the epoch seconds into separate variables and then Text to combine the two. But the result is in three lines. I want in one line with a space between the two strings. I have tried using the Replace Text function but to no avail. Suggestions???? PS, I tried feeding the line feed chars into a Var by copying and pasting directly from the Shell command results. Nothing works.

[@macmost]

Using replace text should work, or a regular expression, lots of ways. Just keep trying different things and learning new techniques.

[@danisalguero5536]

How can I program in the keyboard shortcut with Shortcuts on an iPhone or iPad? I am on iPad and can’t seem to find a way to add the keyboard shortcut, even though I use a real, physical Magic Keyboard connected to the iPad by Bluetooth. ???? Help

[@macmost]

You can't. That's not part of Shortcuts for iOS or iPadOS, only macOS.

[@StupidInternetPeople]

trying to recreate on iPad, and use siri, siri just says done but no output of date in notes app at cursor. any thoughts?

[@macmost]

I'm pretty sure this would only work on a Mac.

[@TheNameOfJesus]

I just spent an hour trying to do this, too. It looks like it should work, but it doesn't. I don't know why not. And it's not just the date that can't be inserted, even the word "Hello" can't be inserted. I don't have a keyboard for my iPad, but if I did, I think the Shortcuts app gives you a button to assign a shortcut to a keyboard key, and it might work then. But I can't test that. If I ever owned a keyboard, this would be the first thing I would test out.

[@ritchiewlc]

Thanks so much this useful tips! Does anyone know how to format the text (e.g. I want to immediately turn the inserted text as a header in Apple Notes -- Shift-Command-H) on Shortcuts? Thanks a lot!

[@macmost]

Yes, Shift+Command+H does it.

[@x7j4]

Another excellent video tutorial. One question: Email distribution lists in IOS are not available, so some people create a contact then insert all the email addresses into the contact’s email field. This doesn’t work well and is difficult to update with new email addresses or change existing email addresses. So my question is this: Could your shortcut technique be used to create an email distribution list that could be inserted into the email ‘To:’ field?

[@TheNameOfJesus]

I'm not sure why Gary hasn't replied to you, but I think the answer is clearly yes. You can use the solution he provided in this video... just put all the email addresses into the shortcut where he placed "Thank you for your inquiry..."

[@sylverbright]

Thank you!

[@JessRoots]

Hi !! Thank you soooo much for your video ! Very well explained, and EXACTLY what I was looking for... except that I'm an iPad user, and I don't have the button "Add keyboard shortcut". Is there another way to do it ? For example, with the "If" function ? Thanks !

[@macmost]

Depends on exactly what you want to do.

[@JessRoots]

@@macmost my ultimate goal is to do like you did in you video. Type something like “&-/“ and the date appears.

[@macmost]

@@JessRoots I can't think of a way to do that on the iPad, sorry. Sandboxing gets in the way (having one app tell another app what to do) and I guess Shortcuts doesn't allow for keyboard shortcut triggers.

[@JessRoots]

@@macmost that’s what I thought 😒 thanks for replying !

[@liekevideo]

Can i use these steps on My IPhone ?

[@macmost]

You can try it, but you would probably need to modify it in several ways for how the iPhone works.

[@Prof.Bratin]

How to use it in iphone?

[@scottsimons2681]

Hey Gary, great tutorial. Got a question, about adding a shortcut for the application, zoom. Is it possible, to create a shortcut that, opens the app, and enters the meeting ID, and the password??? I have low vision, and I am thinking about creating some sort of shortcut for that. If it is possible, do you have any guidance? Thanks. Scott.

[@TheNameOfJesus]

I am not sure you can, but I am sure that you can do that if you purchase the program Keyboard Maestro. I own it and I do stuff like that all the time.

[@zikamikakokoku]

Do I need to have Shortcuts app running all the time in order to launch some commands using keyboard shortcuts?

[@macmost]

No. Try it.

[@desertpatient]

Thanks bunches

[@jhalfaro]

I wonder if there would be a way to press your short cut, let you select from your list of text responses, and then have it present a dialogue box to type in variables for different words you want changed? Say an email response “thank you NAME for emailing on DATE” you select that option, then can type in the Name and Date in a dialogue box and it’d fill those in throughout the response ya know? Is that far too much to ask of short cuts?

[@macmost]

You can definitely do that. It just takes more work to add more actions and build something more complex.

[@manchette4840]

1:46 here in run with u put command button but can put HW letters to write hello world instead of command button?

[@macmost]

Sorry, I don't understand what you are asking.

[@manchette4840]

@@macmost I'm using FastKeys software in windows 11, it's very simple if i want to write (hello world) i just write (HW) or any letters i want , it's that simple, can i do this in MacBook? is there any software in mac can do this ? because i want to buy macbook air. thank you

[@macmost]

@@manchette4840 Yes. Text Replacements. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHXGgHSqfZ5nqKM

[@manchette4840]

@@macmost thank you very much sir for helping me this is what I'm looking for, but u said it doesn't work on Microsoft Word they fix this problem ? Is it working on WhatsApp web?

[@macmost]

@@manchette4840 I think Word has its own system. I don't know about WhatsApp. Try it and see.

[@kingdomreign71]

How can I get this to work in Discord? The Shortcut I made with my text doesn't show up Under Services tab in Discord.

[@macmost]

Maybe use the Discord site instead of an app? I'm not using any Discord app so I can't test it.

[@graspinginfinity7655]

How do you do this on iOS?

[@macmost]

Same. You get to it in Settings, General, Keyboard, Text Replacements.

[@checkwhatsleft4565]

How do you set the reboot command in Shortcuts in iOS 15.4.1?

[@macmost]

Reboot? Not sure what you mean. What are you trying to DO and why?

[@checkwhatsleft4565]

@@macmost Restart the iPhone, I thought with the click of one command will be easier.

[@macmost]

@@checkwhatsleft4565 You should only rarely need to restart your phone. If something is wrong and you find yourself restarting often, I'd have it checked out.

[@ChristianBjork]

Hi Gary, and everyone... I'm having the hardest time find out how to transfer mp3s to my iphone/apple watch. I can't find anything that works. Could someone please help? This was a great video on shortcuts, but would love any tips on transfering mp3s. Thanks!

[@macmost]

Maybe this will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ6ao2OmrLVredk

[@lipton9440]

Bonjour je suis français je voudrais savoir si c’est possible que Numbers et Wallet et Shortcut m’additionne tous mes achats journalier dans une feuille mensuelle quand je paye part carte si c’est possible je ne pourrai le faire qu’avec mon iPhone merci d’avance

[@macmost]

Not sure what you want. Something that takes all of your purchases from different sources and puts them in a spreadsheet? I suppose you may be able to build something. But it would depend on the payment sources and how you access data, and also your skills at building something. There's no automatic process.

[@lipton9440]

@@macmost salut tout d’abord merci pour avoir répondu si vite qu’est-ce qu’il m’intéresse c’est comme dans un commerce avec la caisse enregistreuse et faire une feuille de calcul quotidienne pour additionner le tout par jour et mensuel de mes dépenses mais connaissances en Numbers je n’ai jamais pratiqué vous avez dû le faire dans vos vidéos mais le problème je comprends pas l’anglais alors voilà si vous avez une solution je suis donc preneur merci d’avance

[@macmost]

@@lipton9440 Any solution would depend on your exact situation. Not sure how I can help further.

[@lipton9440]

@@macmost mais réellement c’est possible de le faire avec Numbers un simple calcul journalier et mensuel ou voir sur Notes

[@HertWasHere]

Doesn’t work on phone.

[@macmost]

There is no services menu (no menu bar at all) for this kind of thing on iOS. This is a Shortcut for Mac.

[@Greg-fg1rd]

It seems the more I "learn" about Short Cuts the more I realize it's an almost impossible app to navigate without a computer background. First of all they're hundreds of those little formulas and how would you even know what to look for? Samsung had this thing called Bixby Routines all in plain English you basically have to do nothing. For instance you good set up a routine that when you get in the car your wifi gets turned off and blue tooth turns on just by pressing the Bixby button and saying "car". When you get home or to a place where there's wifi, press the button and say "home", wifi gets turned on and BT off(or not). Hoping Apple's Short Cuts gets there at some point. Maybe MacOS 13? 😁

[@macmost]

If you are just getting started with Shortcuts, this is a tough one to start with. Try kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5PNYYmLbpeMqKM In general, the simpler something like this is to learn and use, the less powerful it is. So it is about striking a balance. Of course there's no reason you have to use Shortcuts at all. It isn't for everyone.

[@PAFFO]

is this still relevent ? cant output text :/

[@macmost]

Yes. Should work fine. Check everything and try in different situations in different apps too.

[@PAFFO]

@@macmost thank you for taking the time to reply, just to share my experience , i cant find any way for shortcut to paste text , I even build a custom apple script , working in apple script app and once applied in shortcut get blocked . upon further research i have found that apple intentionally block pasting text from shortcut for security reason that i can't yet bypass. My goal is to paste to what ever page is in front

[@Robert44444444]

This business of keyboard shortcuts (key commands) NOT triggering a service goes back to at least 2011… I remember thinking that was bad back then and that SURELY Apple would have this fixed shortly… 11yrs later and it STILL doesn't work reliably… pretty lame Apple.

[@TheNameOfJesus]

Are you referring to his assertion that sometimes you have to click on the menu item before the shortcut will work? I agree that's pretty lame of Apple, if it's still true. I wouldn't avoid using a product just because some internet person says that sometimes there's a small problem. Maybe you don't have the same environment that triggers the problem.

[@Robert44444444]

@@TheNameOfJesus - well, where to start? I've been using the Mac since the end of the 80s, bought the 1st Mac of my own in '92, and beginning in the 2000s, I worked for Apple on the main campus at Infinite Loop in Cupertino for 7yrs… so suffice to say I'm a happy Mac user with a 'fair' amount of experience… but I'm willing to call out Apple on things when appropriate. Yes, I was referring to having to click on [select] the service from the 'services' menu before the service can be triggered from your chosen keyboard command. This completely nullifies the benefit of a keyboard command/shortcut if one has to do this first. I'm used to things 'just working' on the Mac, so it's very irritating when you find something that doesn't.

[@TheNameOfJesus]

@@Robert44444444 You have more Mac experience than me, probably 100% more. I agree with you; we can be both supporters and critics of Apple.