How to Sync Text Replacement in macOS 13

In macOS 13 Ventura, the native Text Replacement feature allows you to substitute short trigger phrases with expanded text, symbols, or emoji. When signed into an Apple account with iCloud enabled, every custom text replacement you create automatically synchronizes across all supported Apple devices logged into the same Apple ID, including iPhone, iPad, and other Mac computers. This article explains which shortcuts sync, the limits of the feature, and how to manage them in macOS 13.

Which Text Replacement Shortcuts Sync?

In macOS 13, all standard user-created text replacements sync identically across your devices. These include:

  • Plain Text Phrases: Common email addresses, physical addresses, canned email responses, and full sentences.
  • Special Characters and Symbols: Typographical symbols (such as arrows →, em dashes —, or copyright signs ©) mapped to simple keyboard triggers.
  • Emojis: Individual emojis or combinations of emojis mapped to specific shorthand keywords.
  • Accented Characters and Non-English Scripts: Words with accents, diacritics, or foreign-language characters.

What Does Not Sync

The native macOS text replacement engine is restricted to plain text. The following formats will not sync or expand:

  • Rich Text Formatting: Bold, italics, custom fonts, colors, or underline formatting.
  • Media and Files: Images, PDFs, GIFs, or other file attachments.
  • Dynamic Variables: Auto-updating fields like the current date, time, or clipboard contents.

How to Access and Create Shortcuts in macOS 13

macOS 13 replaced the traditional System Preferences with System Settings. To manage your shortcuts:

  1. Open the Apple menu and select System Settings.
  2. Click Keyboard in the left sidebar.
  3. On the right side, click the Text Replacements... button.
  4. Click the Add (+) button.
  5. In the Replace column, type the trigger shortcut (e.g., omw).
  6. In the With column, type the full phrase or symbol (e.g., On my way!).
  7. Click Done.

Requirements for Cross-Device Syncing

For shortcuts to sync seamlessly between macOS 13 and other devices running iOS, iPadOS, or macOS:

  • Matching Apple ID: Every device must be signed into the same Apple ID.
  • iCloud Drive Enabled: Navigate to System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Drive and ensure it is turned on. Text replacements rely on iCloud Drive data synchronization to push updates.
  • Network Connection: Changes sync in the background over an active Wi-Fi or cellular connection. If a shortcut does not immediately appear on another device, toggling iCloud Drive off and on or restarting the device will prompt an immediate sync.