How to set up shorthand for frequently used text on iPad

When you set up a text replacement on iPad, you can enter long or complicated text by tapping just a few keys, like shorthand for your most frequently used words and phrases.

One shorthand for “On my way” is already set up for you, but you can add your own. You can also stop a word or phrase from being replaced, and create replacements for word and input pairs on certain Chinese or Japanese keyboards.

Create a text replacement

1. While in a text field, do one of the following:
   • With an onscreen keyboard: Touch and hold the Emoji button or the Switch Keyboard key, tap Keyboard Settings, and tap Text Replacement.
   • With an external keyboard: Open Settings, tap General, tap Keyboard, and then tap Text Replacement.
2. Tap the Add button at the top right.
3. Type a phrase in the Phrase field and the text shortcut you want to use for it in the Shortcut field.

Don’t want to replace a word or phrase you use?

1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap General, tap Keyboard, and tap Text Replacement.
3. Tap the Add button at the top right and enter your word or phrase in the Phrase field, but leave the Shortcut field blank.

Create a text replacement for word and input pairs

Certain Chinese or Japanese keyboards let you create a text replacement for word and input pairs, which gets added to your personal dictionary. After that, when you type the text shortcut for a word or input on a supported keyboard, the paired word or input replaces the shortcut.

Shortcuts work for these languages and input methods:

• Simplified Chinese: Pinyin
• Traditional Chinese: Pinyin and Zhuyin
• Japanese: Romaji and Kana

To add these keyboards, see Add or remove a keyboard for another language.

Sync your personal dictionary across devices

iCloud keeps your personal dictionary up to date on your other devices.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap your name, then tap iCloud.
3. Tap See All and tap iCloud Drive. Then turn on Sync this iPad.

Reset your personal dictionary

1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap General, then tap Transfer or Reset iPad.
3. Tap Reset and tap Reset Keyboard Dictionary.
4. Enter your passcode, then tap Reset.

   All custom words and shortcuts are deleted, and the keyboard dictionary returns to its default state.

See also

• Send and reply to messages on iPad