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Auto-text commands

Auto-text commands are custom voice commands for inserting specific text into a document.

To use Auto-text commands, say the name of the command (for example, Add my address) while dictating a document. Dragon inserts the text into your document at the location of the cursor.

Why you should use Auto-text commands

Use Auto-text commands for content you re-use frequently in your documents. They save time and effort, and reduce errors. Typical uses include:

  • If you write a lot of business letters, use an Auto-text command to insert your address.
    • ClosedHere's an example

    Create a command called "Add location" and define its content to include an address you use in emails.

    Start your email and say Add location and Dragon will insert this:

    221B Baker St.
    Marylebone, London NW1 6XE, UK

  • If your work involves creating reports in a certain format, use an Auto-text command to insert a template of details you need to include.
    • ClosedHere's an example

    Create a command called "Describe property" and define its content as a list like the one shown below.

    Open your document and say Describe property and Dragon will insert this:

    Property assessed:
    Location:
    Name on deed:
    Year built:
    Square footage:
    Structure value:

  • If you have a template with variable fields, like a mailing list, use an Auto-text command that inserts a template of those fields. You can even specify default values.
    • ClosedHere's an example

    Create a command called "List member" and define its content as a label layout that uses fields for the address details, like in the example below.

    To start entering the addresses, open your document and say List member and Dragon will insert this:

    To:

    [first] [last]
    [street]
    [city], [state] [Zip]

    See Using fields with Auto-text commands for more information on using variables in Auto-text commands.

Creating an Auto-text command

  1. Click the Dragon menu icon in the menu bar and select Add New Auto-text…

    2. The Quick Auto-text window appears.

  2. Fill in the fields:
    • Auto-text Name: Enter what you say to run the command.

      • Choose a phrase that is easy to remember but not likely to be used in normal dictation. Do not include numerals, special characters, or spaces before or after the text.

      Important: To avoid misrecognition and conflicts with existing commands, it is important that you choose a name that is at least two words. Avoid words such as "that," "one," "two," etc.

    • Auto-text Description (Optional): Enter a brief description of what the command does.
    • Auto-text Contents: Enter the text you want Dragon to insert when you use this command.
  3. Click Create to save your Auto-text.

Alternatively, you can use the Commands window to create Auto-text commands.

  1. Click the Dragon menu icon in the menu bar and select Show Commands…
  2. Select Auto-text in the context list.
  3. Click the Add Command button at the top of the window.
  4. In the popup panel, fill in the Spoken Phrase, Description (optional) and Text fields.
  5. Click Save.

Editing an Auto-text command

  1. Click the Dragon menu icon in the menu bar and select Show Commands…
  2. Select Auto-text from the list.

    3. All Auto-text commands appear to the right of the context list.

  3. Double-click the command you want to edit.

    4. The command editor popup window appears.

  4. Make any changes needed.
  5. Click Save.

For more information about editing commands, see Editing a custom command.

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