Dot Phrases / Text Replacement
How to Use iOS Text Replacement for Faster, Easier Typing on Mac & iPad
If you find yourself typing the same phrases over and over again, Apple’s Text Replacement feature can save you time and effort. Available natively on Mac and iPad IOS, Text Replacement allows you to create shortcuts that automatically expand into full words or phrases—perfect for streamlining your workflow.
Note: This is an Apple function. Please contact Apple directly if you are experiencing any issues. https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-text-replacements-iph6d01d862/ios
How to Set Up Text Replacement on Mac & iPad
On Mac
Open System Settings and go to Keyboard.
Click Text Replacements under the Text Input section.
Press the + button to add a new replacement.
In the Replace field, enter your shortcut (ie: .consent).
In the With field, type the full phrase (ie: Patient agrees to the treatment plan and signed consent form; see chart for consent form).
Click Done—now whenever you type.consent, macOS will replace it with your full phrase.
Pro tip: Start with a special character – If you don’t want text replacement to activate in normal typing, add a period or another symbol at the beginning (e.g., .hours → Our hours are Mon-Fri: 9 AM - 7 PM, Sat: 10 AM - 4 PM, Closed Sundays. Let us know how we can help!). This ensures it only expands when you intend it to.
[IMAGE — needs manual upload: rtaImage] (original: <img src="https://patientnow.file.force.com/servlet/rtaImage?eid=ka0Rd0000003JNt&feoid=00N3s00000QF9k7&refid=0EMRd00000D5LpB">)
On iPad or Mobile
Open Settings and tap General > Keyboard.
Select Text Replacement and tap the + in the top right.
Enter your shortcut and phrase just like on Mac.
Tap Save to enable the replacement.
[IMAGE — needs manual upload: rtaImage] (original: <img src="https://patientnow.file.force.com/servlet/rtaImage?eid=ka0Rd0000003JNt&feoid=00N3s00000QF9k7&refid=0EMRd00000D5RL5">)
Where Can You Use It?
Text Replacement works across the PatientNow website and all apps, including RxPhoto. You can use these to save time on forms, emails, front desk notes, and treatment notes. Your saved replacements sync across your Apple devices via iCloud, so once set up, they work everywhere.