If you regularly misspell certain words or sentences while typing in Google Docs, the automatic substitution feature allows you to train it to recognize those words and auto-correct them as you type. The classic example possibly typing “teh” instead of “the”. Google Docs helps you counter these habits with the automatic substitution feature allowing you to select a substitution in any Google Doc documents you create or edit. Here’s the steps to enable Automatic Substitution in Google Docs.
How to Use Google Docs Automatic Substitution to Create Text Shortcut for Common Misspell Words
Step 1: Open a document in Google Docs.
Step 2: Go to File > Tools > Preferences settings.
Step 3: Check the box next to Automatic substitution.
Step 4: Add your own autocorrect options from here. You’ll see a blank row with two textboxes at the top, one for the word you want to replace and the second for what it will be replaced with. Type any misspelling of a word under the Replace field along with the correct spelling under the With field.
Note: You can disable any substitution you’ve added by uncheck the box next to the left of the Replace field or delete the substitute permanently by clicking the small X to the right of the With field.
Step 5: Once you’ve started filling in both the Replace and With sections, a new row will be added at the top for you to add more customized autocorrect options.
Step 6: Click the OK button to save changes.
[Bug reported]: The Preferences feature in Google Docs does not currently support uppercase letters. This is a known bug issue that the team is aware of, but don’t have any information at this time for when a fix will be made.
