Typinator is a simple yet powerful application that helps you to quickly type phrases or insert
pictures in documents, by offering four abbreviation types: Plain Text, Formatted Text, Picture and HTML Expansion.
If you are new to Typinator, start here to learn the basics.
Plain Text Expansions
The plain text expansion is the most common and straightforward type. It is ideal for inserting text snippets, email templates, or code fragments.
These expansions work in all applications, regardless of formatting support.
Please note that all abbreviations must be unique. If there is a problem with an abbreviation Typinator displays an error symbol and the abbreviation is inactive until the problem is fixed.
Formatted Text Expansions
Formatted text expansions are perfect if you want to create snippets that include multiple fonts, colors, or even embedded pictures.
To select this expansion type:
- Click the first item in the small menu bar above the expansion field.
- Choose Formatted Text.
You can now apply different text styles using the formatting menus or insert images via Copy & Paste or drag and drop.
Please note that the target application must support formatted text. Most word processors do, but apps with fixed fonts will show plain text instead.
Picture Expansions
To insert images directly, select Picture as the expansion type.
You can add images by:
- Copying a picture to the clipboard and pasting it into Typinator.
- Dragging an image file from Finder into the picture area.
This feature is perfect for inserting logos, signatures, or frequently used icons into your documents or emails.
HTML Expansions
HTML expansions are designed for rich text environments, especially for email applications and web-based email services such as Apple Mail, Outlook, Airmail, Thunderbird, Gmail, and iCloud Mail.
With HTML expansions, you can design professional email templates with:
- text styles, including CSS formatting
- separator lines
- tables
- links
- references to pictures
Please note that some mail clients may not support all HTML tags (for example, <hr> or certain <img> elements). We recommend you test your HTML expansions by sending a message to yourself and also try whether other people with different mail programs receive your messages in the intended format.