TextExpander – Small Program With Big Benefits

Not all automations need to be complex or expensive. In this issue of Low Hanging Fruit, we’re about to unveil software that proves just that. Say hello to TextExpander – a seemingly simple program with big benefits. Buckle up as we explore how this unassuming tool can improve your communications and document creation, all while keeping your wallet happy.

What Is TextExpander?

TextExpander is your productivity sidekick. Imagine typing a short abbreviation like “sig” and having it magically expand into your complete email signature. Or effortlessly inserting frequently used phrases, URLs, or boilerplate responses with just a few keystrokes. It’s like having a personal assistant at your fingertips!

Why Should You Care?

• Save Time: TextExpander shaves off precious seconds from your daily tasks. Those seconds add up, and suddenly, you’ve got extra coffee breaks!
• Consistency: Whether you’re drafting emails, writing code snippets, or crafting reports, TextExpander ensures uniformity. No more typos or inconsistencies.  Working on a team, well they will have access to the same snippets, so you are now on the same sheet of music.
• Customization: Tailor TextExpander to your needs. Create snippets for anything – from addresses to complex HTML tags.
• Cross-Platform Magic: Available on macOS, Windows, and iOS, TextExpander syncs seamlessly across devices. Your snippets follow you everywhere.

Enough Talk, Let’s Dive In!

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore TextExpander’s features using practical examples, and discover how small improvements can snowball into significant time and money savings. The best part? You don’t need to be a developer or tech guru to benefit from these tips. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, TextExpander has your back.

Before we jump into the examples, here’s the icing on the cake: TextExpander offers a 30-day trial, and guess what? No credit card required! It’s a no-brainer – give it a whirl and experience the magic firsthand.

I’ll assume you’ve already downloaded and installed the program for our journey ahead.  You can find the program by going here (https://textexpander.com/get-started) and signing up.  It should be a simple process but hey, if you hit any roadblocks, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help!  In the next post we will look at how you can get started with TextExpander.  Let’s look at our first example for simplifying boilerplate text here.

Explore the examples in this series:

1. 1. Example 1 – Simplifying Boilerplate Text
   2. Example 2 – Prompting the User for Data
   3. Example 3 – Working with Date and Time Macros
   4. Example 4 – Keyboard and Cursor Macros
   5. Example 5 – Fill-ins
   6. Example 6 – Nesting Snippets