Typinator lets you create interactive input fields that make your text expansions dynamic and customizable each time you use them.
With these fields, you can quickly fill in names, dates, or other details before Typinator inserts the final text, perfect for personalized templates, messages, or forms.
What are interactive input fields?
Interactive input fields are special markers that ask you to enter a value when you trigger an abbreviation.
The basic syntax looks like this:
{{?First name}}Here, “First name” is the label Typinator shows in a dialog box where you enter your text. You can use any label that helps describe the field.
If your expansion includes multiple fields, like this:
{{?First name}} {{?Last name}}Typinator will open a dialog window with both fields, allowing you to type the values before the text is inserted.
How Typinator handles multiple fields
When you use several input fields in one expansion, Typinator displays them all together in a single dialog, in the same order as they appear in your text.
If the same field label appears more than once (for example, {{?First name}} in multiple places), Typinator only asks for it once then automatically fills in that value everywhere it’s used.
Remembering and presetting values
Typinator remembers the last values you entered and automatically fills them in the next time you use the same fields.
To set a default value, add it in angle brackets like this:
{{?Operating System<macOS>}}This will always preset the field with “macOS,” even if you entered something different before.
You can also use date and time markers to fill fields automatically.
For example:
{{?Month<{M}>}}This sets the field to the current month when the expansion runs.
Combining input fields with variables
You can combine input fields with variables to make your expansions even smarter.
For example:
{{releaseDate=?Release date}}Here, Typinator will prompt you to enter a release date and assign that value to the variable releaseDate.
It won’t appear in the final expansion unless you include {{releaseDate}} somewhere else in your text.
Using input fields for date calculations
Typinator supports date and time calculations with predefined “Delta” variables such as dayDelta.
Example:
{{dayDelta=?Days in the future}}{YYYY}-{MM}-{DD}Please note that Delta variables (like dayDelta or hourDelta) are temporary and reset automatically after each expansion.
Using the input field assistant
You don’t need to memorize Typinator’s syntax. The input field assistant makes it simple to create and customize fields.
Alternatives (pop-up menus)
Pop-up menus let you select one of several predefined options.
Each option can include:
- A title, shown in the menu.
- An optional extended text result, which Typinator inserts when that option is chosen.
You can also enable “Allow free text” to turn the menu into a combo box, letting you pick an option or type your own entry.
Options (checkboxes)
Checkbox fields are great for yes/no choices.
You can define what text appears for both cases.
If you only add text for “Yes” and leave “No” empty, Typinator will include or skip that text based on whether the box is checked.
Adding structure with headings and separators
Use headings, descriptions, and separator lines to organize your input form.
Typinator displays fields in the order they appear, so these tools make longer forms clear and easy to understand.
You can also add descriptions to explain the purpose of each field.
Why use interactive input fields
Interactive input fields make Typinator expansions:
- Flexible – adjust details each time you use an abbreviation.
- Personalized – add names, dates, or custom text instantly.
- Efficient – fill everything in one place before the expansion appears.
Whether you’re writing emails, creating templates, or generating dynamic content, interactive input fields help you work faster and smarter.