First Expansion

Text expansions are the heart of Agentastic. In this guide, you'll create your first custom expansion and learn the fundamentals of how expansions work.

What is a Text Expansion?

A text expansion is a shortcut that automatically replaces abbreviated text with longer content. For example:

• Type addr → Expands to your full address
• Type ty → Expands to "Thank you"
• Type sig → Expands to your email signature

Creating a Simple Expansion

Let's create your first expansion using the Agentastic Launcher:

1. Open the Launcher

   • Press ⌘+Space (or your custom shortcut)
   • The Agentastic overlay will appear

2. Access Settings

   • Click the gear icon (⚙️) in the launcher
   • Select "Manage Expansions"

3. Create New Expansion

   • Click "Add Expansion"
   • Fill in the details:
     • Trigger: myemail
     • Replacement: Your actual email address
     • Description: "My email address"

4. Save and Test

   • Click "Save"
   • Open any text field
   • Type myemail and press space
   • Watch it expand to your email address!

Understanding Triggers

Triggers are the abbreviations that activate expansions. Good triggers are:

• Memorable - Easy to remember
• Unique - Won't accidentally trigger
• Short - Save typing time
• Consistent - Follow a pattern

Trigger Examples

Expansion Options

When creating expansions, you can customize:

Case Sensitivity

• Default: Case-insensitive (Email and email both work)
• Option: Make triggers case-sensitive when needed

Word Boundaries

• Default: Triggers need spaces or punctuation around them
• Option: Allow triggers within words

Cursor Position

• Use {{cursor}} to set where your cursor lands after expansion
• Example: Hello {{cursor}}, how are you?

Creating Useful Expansions

Here are some expansions to get you started:

Common Phrases

Trigger: ty
Replacement: Thank you

Trigger: yw
Replacement: You're welcome

Trigger: brb
Replacement: Be right back

Professional Communication

Trigger: mtg
Replacement: meeting

Trigger: fup
Replacement: follow up

Trigger: eod
Replacement: end of day

Formatted Content

Trigger: sig
Replacement: 
Best regards,
{{name}}
{{title}}
{{company}}

Using Variables

Agentastic supports dynamic variables in expansions:

• {{date}} - Today's date
• {{time}} - Current time
• {{clipboard}} - Contents of clipboard
• {{cursor}} - Cursor position after expansion

Example expansion with variables:

Trigger: dnote
Replacement: Daily note for {{date}} at {{time}}:
{{cursor}}

Tips for Effective Expansions

1. Start Small - Create 5-10 expansions you'll use daily
2. Use Patterns - Develop consistent trigger naming
3. Review Regularly - Update expansions as needs change
4. Avoid Conflicts - Don't use common words as triggers

Managing Expansions

Edit Existing Expansions

1. Open Launcher (⌘+Space)
2. Go to Settings → Manage Expansions
3. Click on any expansion to edit
4. Save changes

Delete Expansions

1. Select the expansion
2. Click "Delete" or press ⌫
3. Confirm deletion

Import/Export

• Export expansions for backup
• Share expansion sets with team members
• Import pre-made expansion packs

What's Next?

Now that you've created your first expansion:

• Learn essential keyboard shortcuts
• Explore AI-powered completions
• Discover advanced expansion features

Practice Exercise

Create these five expansions to practice:

1. Your email address
2. Your phone number
3. A greeting phrase you use often
4. Today's date format
5. A multi-line signature

Once comfortable with basic expansions, you're ready to explore Agentastic's powerful AI features!