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Expand

Expand means typing an abbreviation plus a trigger key in any text field (editor, browser, chat, email) and having it replaced with the full snippet content. No copy-paste, no re-typing.

How to expand in three steps

  1. In CodeExpander, create a snippet with an abbreviation (e.g. sig) and content (e.g. email signature).
  2. Type that abbreviation in any input field.
  3. Press the trigger key (default Tab); the abbreviation is replaced.

What trigger key can I use?

Default Tab; can be Space, Enter, ., ,, ;, -, /, = etc. Change in Settings → General.

  • Tab — Good for code and writing; fewer collisions with normal typing.
  • Space — Good for mixed languages.
  • Enter — Good for lists and replies.

Keep “require trigger key to expand” on to avoid accidental expansion.

Shortcuts

  • Global: Open main window, search, toggle expand, create snippet from clipboard, new snippet, edit last expanded, expand last again, etc. Configure in Settings → Shortcuts.
  • Per-snippet shortcut (Pro): Bind a global shortcut to a snippet in the snippet editor or list.

Tip: Set abbreviations and trigger for your top few (signature, try wrapper, daily header); muscle memory in days, clear efficiency gain.

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