Get keyboard text shortcuts to work systemwide.

Hi:


I have successfully added a few text shortcuts via System Preferences > Keyboard > Text (e.g. omw for on my way).


My shortcuts work in certain apps (i.e. apple Mail and Outlook for mac, but they do not work in apps where I really need them (i.e. Macdown and Word for Mac. How do I get these to work system-wide?

Thank you.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS High Sierra (10.13.6)

Posted on Sep 28, 2018 7:25 AM

Reply
1 reply

Sep 29, 2018 10:29 AM in response to sjkiss

Hello sjkiss,


Thanks for that info and choosing the Apple Support Communities. If I understand correctly, you are unable to use custom keyboard shortcuts that you created in certain specific app on your MacBook Pro. To help with this issue, check if there is a conflicting shortcut in that specific app as this Apple resource suggests:

It’s possible to have keyboard shortcuts for one app that conflict with another app. For example, Command-Space bar opens the Spotlight menu, but in another app it might be used for switching between different input methods.

  1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Keyboard.


  2. Click Shortcuts. A yellow warning badge appears next to conflicting keyboard shortcuts. Click the shortcut, then change it.



If a keyboard shortcut doesn’t work on Mac
Use global keyboard shortcuts​ on Mac


Next, use safe mode to start up your Mac as it does the following things:

  • Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed
  • Loads only required kernel extensions
  • Prevents startup items and login items from opening automatically
  • Disables user-installed fonts
  • Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


Log into your user account and test the issue while in safe mode and then restart normally and test the issue again.


Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac ​
Graphics performance limited in macOS Recovery, safe mode, or Guest User mode


Cheers!

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Get keyboard text shortcuts to work systemwide.

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