This feature is particularly useful for collaborative environments like the office. For instance, you can create a shortcut file with all the regularly and commonly used text expansions, shortcuts, macros, etc. Pros: FastFox is lightweight and easy to use. Support plain and rich text expansion. The app also supports picture shortcuts.
The macro creation is very easy. Cons: The keyboard shortcuts cannot be customized while creating macros. For advanced text expansion users, the features may be limited as there is no support for things like where the cursor should be after text expansion, custom delimiters, etc.
Of all the text expander applications shared here, ActiveWords is not what you call user-friendly. That being said, ActiveWords is very powerful at what it does. When you first install and open the application, it will put all the control options and shortcuts right in front of you and you can create your own text expansions as needed.
Though the user interface looks a bit clunky, there is thankfully an easy to use wizard which guides you through when creating a shortcut, macro, or text expansion. Other than regular text expansions, ActiveWords allows you to create custom scripts with complicated commands and nested activities, launch programs, send emails, open a document or folder, etc. To make it even sweeter, ActiveWords has add-on support to increase the functionality.
You can even assign a keyboard shortcut to that specific setting for ease of use. One quirk you should be aware of when using ActiveWords is that it gives you an option to expand text instantly while configuring a text expansion. Though not a big deal, it is a bit awkward but you will get used to it quickly.
Pros: ActiveWord is very powerful and allows you to create custom scripts. It can launch programs, websites, and even send emails as and when needed.
Cons: The user interface is not that user-friendly and it takes some learning curve to get used to ActiveWords. When downloading the software, you need to submit your email address, no need to verify your email address, though. To try the software before buying, there is a free day trial. The downside of AutoHotKeys is that you have to script your own text expansion shortcuts or use the ones you can find online.
The best part is, you can trigger the text expansion immediately or set a custom delimiter. You can even configure FastKeys to expand text only in certain applications or windows with certain titles.
It also has an auto-complete feature that learns your typing behavior and gives you word suggestions accordingly. Of course, since FastKeys is AutoHotKeys with a GUI, you can create macros with complex actions, custom keyboard shortcuts, launch applications, perform mouse movements, etc. In fact, FastKeys has a vast library from which you can grab AutoHotKeys scripts for regular macros and custom shortcuts for various actions like opening software, sending key shorts, etc.
Pros: FastKeys is built on top of AutoHotkey. The software is pretty lightweight and very user-friendly, even for beginners.
Has a big library of AutoHotKeys scripts to get you started. Cons: Though the user interface is pretty neat and friendly, it can take some time to get used to. All in all, every application in this list has its own merits.
The reason for this is simple, its user interface straightforward and easy to use, I can pay for it on a monthly basis and the application can be accessed on other devices like Mac, Android, and iOS with all the snippets syncing between them. But if you are looking for a free alternative PhraseExpress will work well too.
So, do try the applications shared here and see what fits your needs. Hope that helps and do comment below sharing your thoughts and experiences about using the above applications or to share your own favorite text expander applications for Windows. Vamsi is a tech geek who enjoys writing how-to guides and tinkering with computers and software in general.
He especially loves using Windows and writing about it. You can check out his Windows guides at WindowsLoop. You must be logged in to post a comment. Vamsi Krishna Vamsi is a tech geek who enjoys writing how-to guides and tinkering with computers and software in general. However, license notifications are shown after 30 days if using one of the following features: Use with a domain controller or server. Use under different Windows user names.
Use of any feature of the commercial editions. Take us at our word! Personal users can use all functions that are advertised in the shop at any time! License notifications do not turn off the functions, but appear as a window and in the output text. It supports formatted text, Dropbox synchronization and can sync text snippets with Mac TextExpander by SmileSoftware. Full Specifications.
What's new in version 1. Release March 13, Date Added March 13, Version 1. Operating Systems. Additional Requirements None. Total Downloads Downloads Last Week 1. Report Software. Related Software. Winmail Opener Free. View the rich text message contents and attachments embedded into TNEF-encoded files. Update your Microsoft Office Outlook Mail Merge Toolkit Free to try.
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