If you use the computer a lot, you know the tedium of typing emails, websites, and other pieces of text over and over again. Modern technology provided a great solution: text expanders. They enable quick typing through simple keyboard commands.
But there are many such programs on the market. What we’re here to do is list the best text expansion tools for Windows. So you can explore their key features and decide which are of most use to you. Some are even compatible with macOS.
1. FastFox
As far as easy text expanders go, FastFox is a favorite among writers. It contains the most basic automation tools Windows and Mac users could possibly need. There's much more you can do than fill in phrases through shortcuts or smart autocompletion.
You’re also able to set up hotkeys for images and macros of any length. On top of that, you can share text expansions with other users, but only with a business license. If you do go for a more professional account, FastFox is pretty smooth technology that can help you do more throughout the day.
Unfortunately, it isn’t free. The normal price for a home license is $60 and $99 for the business version. Even so, it’s a well-rounded program worth considering for the sake of convenience alone.
Download: FastFox for Windows | macOS ($60)
2. FastKeys
FastKeys offers a more user-friendly interface for another popular and free automation tool on Windows: AutoHotkey. The latter’s programming language is easy enough to learn, especially with handy tips from our AutoHotkey guide for beginners, but the overall experience can be too much trouble than it’s worth.
In terms of text expansion, the simpler design of FastKeys lets you create shortcuts for common phrases without getting into complex scripting. While there is a free trial on offer, you can only use the full version of FastKeys if you buy a lifetime license for personal or corporate use.
That said, if typing and getting things done quickly is your only interest, a personal $19 account is a good choice. You get access to text expansion and shortcuts. You can record common actions on your PC as macros. And you can even execute tasks through mouse gestures.
FastKeys can also be used in various places, from apps to browsers.
Download: FastKeys for Windows ($19, free trial available)
3. TextExpander
If you’re looking for strong text expansion tools, here’s another great candidate. TextExpander is compatible with Windows, macOS, and iOS, while featuring several handy automation perks.
Just like most software of its kind, it has classic phrase expanding powers, but extra features also boost the user experience.
For example, TextExpander embraces HTML, CSS, and even emojis as elements you might want to create shortcuts for. The Mac version also comes with multiple languages to work with. And the extensive management and sharing tools can take teamwork to the next level.
The price of TextExpander is a bit steep but reflects its usefulness. A basic license costs $4.16 per month, less if billed annually. The best deal for a team is an annually billed package, which starts at $7.96 per user. If you’re not sure about the program, a free trial is available too.
Download: TextExpander for Windows | macOS (free trial, subscription required)
4. PhraseExpress
Among the more professional options around, PhraseExpress likes to beat the competition. It’s better for businesses, but you can still get a lot out of the free personal version. While text expansion services exist across its packages, a paid license just brings extra tools to the table.
PhraseExpress also offers cross-platform compatibility, opening its doors to Windows, Mac, and iOS users. Apart from text expansion through shortcuts and autocompletion, you can correct spelling, import phrases from MS Word, make good use of your clipboard, and even protect shared folders with passwords.
PhraseExpress isn’t cheap, though, even with its free trial. A standard license, for example, which basically enhances the freeware edition, costs $49.95. And the price of a professional system starts at $139.95. On the plus side, these are lifetime licenses to a highly praised and efficient program.
Download: PhraseExpress for Windows | macOS ($49.95, free trial available)
5. Breevy
If all you want is a simple, efficient, and affordable text expander focused on improving your workflow, Breevy fits that role perfectly. It’s designed for quick typing and use of Windows, letting you set up shortcuts for a range of tasks.
Add commonly used sentences to a document, even on alternative writing software to MS Word, and then launch a completely different program with a few keystrokes.
It’s also possible to import phrases from TextExpander or sync the two apps to exchange files. Even though Breevy isn’t compatible with macOS, that means you can still use text expansion on either platform by syncing it with TextExpander.
These kinds of small but ingenious features are what make Breevy stand out from the competition. Instead of cramming lots of elements together, it offers specific luxuries to people who need automation in their lives.
There’s a free trial to try, in portable form as well, before deciding to pay $34.95 for a full license. Breevy isn’t the most feature-filled technology, but it is support you can rely on and master quickly.
Download: Breevy for Windows ($34.95, free trial available)
6. PhraseExpander
No matter how simple or complex, the best text expansion tools usually come at a price. PhraseExpander is one more piece of software worth your attention and money, especially if you need it for work. And, since the top license aimed at doctors, you know you’re dealing with reliable programming.
Every package gives you expansion features like autocompletion, spell checking, and the ability to use the clipboard’s history. The more professional services include sharing tools, dictionaries, and even branching logic, which uses if/then logic so that PhraseExpander brings up different snippets under specific conditions.
This is next-level text automation. It’s perfect for intense workflows that could use some backup from smart technology. That’s also why the price is quite high. A standard license is $59, while systems for businesses can range between $149 and $249. Another downside is that PhraseExpander only works on Windows, but at least there's a three-week free trial.
Download: PhraseExpander for Windows ($149, free trial available)
Save Time and Effort With the Right Text Expander
Customizing your PC to perfection often just comes down to research. Think about your circumstances. What tasks do you want to do faster? Do you only have Windows? Or do you have a Mac, too? What’s your budget?
From your answers, you should be able to find out which of our suggested text expansion apps suits you best. Either dig deeper into their text expansion tools or use them as inspiration as you keep searching for the most effective and convenient automation system.