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How to use inline predictive text in macOS Sonoma

How relieved would you be if your Mac could assist in writing emails or texts for you? Well, Apple has brought the inline predictive text feature to Macs with the release of macOS Sonoma. This exciting feature offers real-time suggestions to assist your writing and save valuable time. Sounds cool, right? So, let’s learn more about inline predictive text and how you can enable or disable it on your Mac.

What is inline predictive text on Mac?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s explore what inline predictive text does. Inline predictive text is a feature that suggests words and phrases as you type based on your typing patterns, frequently used words and contextual clues. Remember, the iPhone already had predictive text, which has been improved with iOS 17.

In this instance, your Mac leverages machine learning algorithms to predict the next word you intend to type, making it easier and faster to compose messages, emails, and documents. But it will take time for your Mac to adapt to your writing habits and predict accurate phrases.  

As of this writing, only Apple’s native applications support inline predictive text in English. I can use it in Apple Notes, Apple Mail, and TextEdit. However, it’s a system-wide function and will eventually be available everywhere.  

You don’t need to turn it on to use built-in predictive text input on your Mac. It’s set up and enabled by default.

How to use built-in predictive text input on your Mac

  1. Open an application that supports inline predictive text input, such as Messages or Notes.
  2. Start typing in a text field.
  3. You will see the suggested words or phrases in grey as you type. 
    These suggestions are based on the context and the words you’ve typed so far.

    Use built in predictive text input on your Mac
  4. To add them to your text, hit the space bar on your keyboard.
  5. If the suggestions don’t match what you intended to write, you can continue typing as usual, and macOS will update the recommendations accordingly. 

But note that if you type quickly, you may have typed the subsequent letter before the prediction appears. However, it will improve with time as the machine learning algorithms will train to adapt your writing patterns and favorite words or phrases. In other words, it becomes more intelligent the more you use it. 

And don’t worry; Apple is not reading what you are typing. The inline predictive text inputs are securely generated on the device and only use the contextual information provided in the focused text field. The best part is the predictive texts are grammatically error-free. 

If you dislike these inline suggestions, you may turn off predictive text on your MacBook in quick steps.  

How to turn off inline predictive text in macOS Sonoma

  1. Click Apple Menu () → System Settings.

    Get to the System Settings on Mac
  2. Select Keyboard on the left panel → Click Edit next to Input Sources.

    Select keyboard, Edit in system settings
  3. Toggle off Show inline predictive text.

    Toggle on Inline predictive text, done in system settings
  4. Click Done to save the settings.

If you change your mind later, you can follow steps 1-3 and toggle on Show inline predictive text

Enjoy an enhanced typing experience!

Predictive text on macOS Sonoma can enhance your typing speed, writing experience, and productivity. Using it, you can take advantage of intelligent suggestions, saving time and effort. Besides, disabling predictive text allows you to have complete control over your typing without any automation. 

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Author

  • Ava

    Ava is a die-hard Apple aficionado and seasoned writer with a knack for breaking down complex tech concepts into easily digestible content. Having honed her writing and editing skills over 3 years at renowned media houses like TechBurner, Ava crafts informative and engaging articles including troubleshooting guides, product reviews, editorials at iGeeksBlog. When not typing, you can find her exploring the latest Apple releases or pondering the future of tech innovation.

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