The Easy Way to Expand Text on Android for Free

Text expansion is an incredibly useful way to save lots of time, but it doesn’t have to be limited to your desktop. If you’re unfamiliar with it, text expansion allows you to type a short phrase that’s automatically replaced with something longer.

On Android, you can get started with text expansion using Texpand. Setup is simple as can be — just tap the plus button in the bottom-right (like other Material Design apps) and choose a shortcut and its full phrase. For example, you might want to type “@@” as a shortcut for your email address, or “#cell” for your cell phone number.

You’ll also be able to set a few options, including if you want the phrase to expand inside words or only when on its own. Texpand also features a pop-up bubble when you start typing something close to a trigger phrase, so you don’t have to remember them all exactly. You’re able to exclude certain apps from text expansion if you wish.

You can also get fancy with dynamic values. When creating a new phrase, instead of “day” always correcting to “Tuesday,” for example, you can use a dynamic phrase that inserts the current date. Options include the day, month, year, or hour, as well as your clipboard. Having a shortcut like “#pst” to automatically paste could prove useful.

Like getting creative with text? @texpandapp should be where you store them pic.twitter.com/XQE2gFjDBg

— Texpand (@texpandapp) November 8, 2015

The free version of Texpand allows you to save up to 10 phrases. If you need more, the Pro version is $3 and allows for unlimited phrases as well at importing words from your personal dictionary. Need text expansion on your Mac or iOS device? Try using TextExpander.

What do you use text expansion to type? Let us know how you save time using the app below!

Image Credit: Eugenio Marongiu via Shutterstock.com