Do you have certain phrases or boilerplate text that you use often in emails? Here’s a time saving tip for making Outlook automatically insert those phrases for you into your emails as you type.
What is AutoText?
The easiest way to illustrate what AutoText is is with an example. I have set up an entry in my Outlook for I look forward to hearing from you. As I start typing the phrase, Outlook automatically prompts me to see if I want it to finish the phrase for me.
All I have to do is press Enter if I want the phrase entered. Otherwise I just keep typing whatever I want and the prompt disappears.
Setting Up AutoText entries in Outlook
Setting up your own entries is super easy.
- Type the phrase that you want (in an email).
- Select the text using your mouse.
- Click Insert on the ribbon.
- Click Quick Parts > AutoText.
- Click Save Selection to AutoText Gallery to display the following screen.
- I normally use the default options for AutoText but you may want to change the Name or Category.
- Click OK.
The next time you start typing the phrase, Outlook will offer to complete it for you.
Try it out. An added benefit of this tip… you’re less likely to send out emails with spelling mistakes or correctly spelling but incorrect words (my favourite… I look forward to jeering from you… who put the h next to the j on the keyboard!)