How to Create a Custom Text Substitution in Google Docs

Google Docs allows you to create custom text substitutions that can save you time and effort when writing documents. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up autocorrect or automatic substitutions in Google Docs.

What Are Text Substitutions?

Text substitutions, also known as autocorrect or automatic substitutions, are custom shortcuts that automatically replace a short phrase with a longer phrase or word when you type and hit space or enter.

For example, typing “addr” can automatically expand to your full mailing address. Or typing “eml” can insert your email address.

Benefits of Using Text Substitutions

Here are some of the benefits of using text substitutions in Google Docs:

Save time – Instead of typing a long phrase repeatedly, create a shortcut for faster typing
Increase accuracy – Substitute commonly misspelled words with the correct spelling

Ensure consistency – Standardize phrases, names, or dates across documents
Insert symbols – Type a shortcut to insert symbols like ©, ®, ¶ etc.

How to Create Text Substitutions in Google Docs

Follow these simple steps to create custom automatic text substitutions:

1. Open Google Docs Preferences

Open a document in Google Docs
Click on Tools > Preferences in the menu

2. Go to Substitutions tab

In the preferences sidebar, click on the Substitutions tab

3. Check the boxes

Check the box next to Automatic substitution to enable substitutions
Check Show substitutions box to view a list of default substitutions

4. Create new substitution

In the Replace box, type the shortcut text that you want to use

In the With box next to it, type the text that will replace the shortcut
Hit enter or tab to save the new substitution

For example:

Replace: eml
With: [email protected]

5. Use the text substitution

To use the shortcut, type it in your document and hit spacebar or enter

The shortcut will be replaced by the expanded text automatically

6. Edit or remove substitutions

To edit a substitution, click the text boxes to change the shortcut or expanded text
To temporarily disable a substitution, uncheck the box next to it

To permanently remove a substitution, click the X icon next to it

Tips for Using Text Substitutions Effectively

Here are some tips to use text substitutions efficiently in Google Docs:

Use unambiguous shortcuts – Shortcuts like “tbd” or “eml” work better than common words

Be consistent – Stick to lowercase, uppercase or camelcase shortcuts for easier recall
Use for common errors – Auto-correct common typos or spelling mistakes

Reuse substitutions – Substitutions created are available across all Google Docs

Conclusion

Creating custom text substitutions is easy in Google Docs and can save you a lot of time once configured. Follow the step-by-step instructions to set up shortcuts for commonly used phrases, symbols, acronyms or even emoji.

Be creative and strategic with your substitution shortcuts for maximum productivity benefits. This built-in autocorrect feature works seamlessly across Google Docs, so you never have to recreate them each time.

Hope this simple guide helps you work faster by enabling automatic text substitution in Google Docs!