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TextExpander Text Expanding Software

About.com Rating 5

By James Marshall, About.com

The Bottom Line
TextExpander is a valuable tool that any Mac user would do well to try out. At $30, the program isn't expensive--and it will greatly expand your computer abilities and save you time.

The program is also a ton of fun to use. You will need to do considerable customization, though. And, once you use the program for a while, you may never want to go back to typing the old way again!
Pros
  • Makes typing fun again
  • Greatly improves document creation time
  • Runs at startup
  • Works with all of your programs
  • Easy to manage options
Cons
  • To get the most of TextExpander, considerable customization is needed
  • A wide range of abbreviations are not included with installation
Description
  • The software is easy to install. It installs in the Settings panel, where you can set your options.
  • TextExpander loads on startup. So, you're ready to use it as soon as your machine is running.
  • Be careful when sharing a machine. TextExpander will confuse other users. You'll miss it on other machines, too!
Guide Review - TextExpander Text Expanding Software
We’re all familiar with the AutoCorrect feature in Microsoft Word. Other programs have begun incorporating the features, especially on Mobile platforms.

For many, AutoCorrect can be a real annoyance. That’s because it never seems to get the words right. You often end up having to fix a correction yourself. And, if the feature is persistent, you may have to undergo repeated corrections.

But, few realize that AutoCorrect is a powerful tool that can save you hours of time and a considerable amount of frustration. You just need to customize it to your vocabulary. You can also add your own personal shortcuts. That’s when it becomes a killer feature.

Until now, Microsoft Word has been the biggest proponent of AutoCorrect. But, TextExpander is bringing AutoCorrect Mac wide. You can use it in your web browser and other programs.

It is easy to see that the powers are virtually limitless. On online entry forms, you can enter a few letters. Your address is automatically completed. Reduce a sentence to a handful of letters. Not only will this benefit your schedule, it will also save your wrists from painful carpal tunnel symptoms.

There isn't much more to say about TextExpander. The program simply works, and many users will find it indispensable. The only real ding is the amount of customization required. But, that should be expected from a program that creates the equivalent of personal shortcuts!
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