How to Create Text Shortcuts in Chrome

Tired of retyping the same sentences, replies, or links every day?

If you use Gmail, Google Docs, forms, or chat tools regularly, all that repeated typing wastes time and breaks your flow.

That’s where text shortcuts help. You can turn a quick code—like /email or :thanks—into full text instantly.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up text shortcuts in Chrome using Clipboard History Pro, a free and easy-to-use text expander tool.

Let’s dive in.

Quick Answer: How to Create Text Shortcuts in Chrome

You can’t create custom text shortcuts natively in Chrome, but you can do it easily with a free Chrome extension like Clipboard History Pro.

Just install the extension, create a snippet (e.g., a reply, email signature, or address), assign a shortcut (like /sig), and type that shortcut anywhere to expand the full text instantly.

It works across Gmail, Google Docs, forms, social media, and more (saving you time and effort.)

Can You Create Text Shortcuts Natively in Chrome?

Short answer: No. Google Chrome doesn’t support built-in text shortcuts or text expansion features by default.

While Chrome is fast and secure, it lacks built-in tools for automating text, like inserting saved replies or expanding shortcut codes.

There’s no option in Chrome’s settings to create or manage custom text shortcuts. So if you want to:

  • Insert full email replies with just a few keystrokes
  • Quickly paste commonly used phrases or links
  • Speed up your daily writing tasks

…you’ll need a dedicated extension. That’s where Clipboard History Pro comes in, giving you full control over text shortcuts directly in your browser.

The Easiest Way: Use a Chrome Extension Like Clipboard History Pro

The simplest way to create text shortcuts in Chrome is by using an extension—and Clipboard History Pro is one of the best.

It’s a lightweight, easy-to-use tool that helps you automate repetitive typing, insert saved snippets, and speed up your workflow.

No complicated setup, and no extra software, just install it in Chrome and start using shortcuts instantly.

Why Clipboard History Pro stands out:

  • Works entirely inside Chrome (no desktop apps required)
  • Syncs across devices (Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and mobile)
  • Built for people who write, copy, and paste all day (like marketers, developers, and support teams)
  • Lets you respond faster using your own custom shortcuts

How to Create Text Shortcuts in Chrome with Clipboard History Pro (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Install Clipboard History Pro from the Chrome Web Store

1. Go to the Clipboard History Pro or search for it on the Chrome Web Store.

2. Click Add to Chrome and confirm the installation.

3. Once added, you’ll see a small clipboard icon in your Chrome toolbar.

Step 2: Open the Extension and Create a New Snippet

1. Click the clipboard icon.

2. Find an item in your history or click Edit to create a new note/snippet.

3. Type or paste the full text you want to reuse (e.g. email signature, canned reply, address, etc.).

Step 3: Assign a Custom Shortcut (Like /sig or :reply)

1. Under the snippet settings, assign a shortcut like /intro, :address, or whatever makes sense for your workflow.

This shortcut will trigger your saved text when typed on web pages. This is how it will appear:

Step 4: Type Your Shortcut Anywhere in Chrome

1. Open any website with a text box (Gmail, Google Docs, LinkedIn, Notion, or a form.)

2. Type your shortcut (e.g. /sig) and watch it instantly expand into your saved content.

3. You just saved yourself a few keystrokes, and possibly hours over time.

You can create unlimited snippets with the Pro plan and expand them using custom keyboard shortcuts that match your daily tasks. Here’s the full pricing of Clipboard History Pro:

Clipboard History Pro Features That Make It Even Better

Clipboard History Pro isn’t just for shortcuts, it’s a full-featured productivity tool built for people who copy, paste, and type all day.

If you're replying to emails, filling out forms, writing code, or working with clients, it helps you automate repetitive typing and stay organized right inside your Chrome browser.

Here’s what makes it a game-changer:

  • Unlimited text snippets (Pro plan): Save your most-used replies, templates, addresses, or code snippets
  • Auto text expansion: Type a shortcut like :sig or /thanks and instantly expand it into full content
  • Smart clipboard history: Automatically saves everything you copy (text, links, even form inputs) and lets you search for it later
  • Retrieve lost copied content: Easily recover previously copied text in Chrome, even if you’ve copied over it
  • Favorites and folders: Pin important snippets and organize them by task, client, or project
  • Clipboard widget: Access and paste saved content without switching tabs
  • Floating mode: Keep your clipboard panel open in a separate window while you work
  • Password lock: Protect sensitive data with a lock so others can't access your saved items
  • Cross-device sync: Sync your snippets and clipboard data across Chrome on Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and even mobile

Clipboard History Pro Features That Make It Even Better

Clipboard History Pro isn’t just for text shortcuts. It’s a complete productivity tool for anyone who writes, copies or pastes content during their day.

Key features include:

  • Unlimited text snippets (Pro plan): Save and reuse your most common replies, templates, addresses, or code blocks
  • Auto text expansion: Type a shortcut like /sig or :thanks to instantly insert the full text
  • Smart clipboard history: Tracks everything you copy, including text, links, and form inputs
  • Retrieve lost copied content: Recover previously copied text in Chrome, even if you’ve copied over it
  • Favorites and folders: Organize your snippets by project, client, or category
  • Clipboard widget: Access and paste saved content without leaving the current tab
  • Floating mode: Keep the clipboard panel open in a movable window while you work
  • Password protection: Lock sensitive snippets to keep them private

Start Saving Time in Chrome Today

If you’re constantly typing the same things or switching between tabs to copy and paste, Clipboard History Pro is built for you.

You can:

  • Create custom text shortcuts that expand as you type
  • Save everything you copy (and access it anytime)
  • Organize your content and keep it synced across devices
  • Work faster, smarter, and more efficiently

Add Clipboard History Pro to Chrome for free and start automating your typing today.

FAQs: Creating Text Shortcuts in Chrome

Can I create text shortcuts using Chrome keyboard shortcuts?

Not by default. Chrome keyboard shortcuts mostly control tabs and browser actions. For text expansion, you need an extension like Clipboard History Pro.

Is Clipboard History Pro like Text Blaze?

Yes, but simpler. Clipboard History Pro lets you create snippets and shortcuts right inside Chrome, without needing a full app or sign-up.

Why do some forms say "verification successful waiting" when I paste text?

This can happen when websites check for human actions (like mouse movement or keystrokes). Clipboard tools like ours simply paste content, so the message may appear briefly as the site verifies it's not automated.

What kind of text can I expand with a shortcut?

Anything: emails, addresses, links, form replies, file names, even a full task list. Just type your custom shortcut, and it inserts the full text instantly