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This tip, which we were directed to by RIM's BlackBerry Connection newsletter, explains the difference between your BlackBerry's AutoText and Word list features and how to use them as shortcuts to enter words and phrases.

Word list is like having a dictionary at your fingertips, allowing you to save time. Custom words are added as you use them to the dictionary, and can also be added manually.

Add a custom word list item

1. In the device options, click Custom Wordlist.
2. Press the Menu key.
3. Click New.
4. Type a word or letter combination.
5. Click the trackball.
6. Click Save.

You can also delete words from the custom word list, or set your device to stop adding words to the list - check your manual for more details.

AutoText lets you replace specific text that you type with preloaded words and phrases. If you type text that can be replaced with an AutoText entry, the text changes after you press the Space key.

Built-in AutoText entries also correct common mistakes. For example, AutoText changes hte to the. You can create AutoText entries for your common typing mistakes or for abbreviations, for instance if you wrote NYSE then AutoText you could set it to expand to New York Stock Exchange.

Create an AutoText entry

1. In the device options, click AutoText.
2. Press the Menu key.
3. Click New.
4. In the Replace field, type the text to replace.
5. In the With field, perform one of the following actions:
• Type replacement text.
• To insert a macro (for example, the current date or time), press the Menu key. Click Insert Macro.
6. In the Using field, perform one of the following actions:
• To capitalize the entry exactly as you typed it, click Specified Case.
• To capitalize the entry according to the context, click SmartCase.
7. Set the language.
8. Press the Menu key.
9. Click Save.

Your manual also contains instructions for how to change or delete an AutoText entry, or to turn off AutoText for SMS messages.