macOS’s emoji interface is somewhat clunky:you have to press Control (⌃)-Command (⌘)-Spaceto bring up the persistent emoji overlay, then search for the right emoji character.
you may alsoadd emojis to your favorite listto make them easier to find, but that doesn’t change the fact that the interface for finding and entering emoji leaves a lot to be desired.
To overcome this obvious user experience oversight, one can easily take advantage ofmacOS’s Text Replacement featureto create a set of substitutions that make it easier to place emoji anywhere you need them. For instance, you could define that every typed occurrence of “alien” or “alien” should automatically insert an alien emoji.
But rather than create a massive substitution list, download and use the native app Rocket from developer Matthew Palmer that not only works just like the emoji finder in Slack, but also lets you create fancy lists that use emoji for bullet points and more.
Before you can use Rocket, you must give the app accessibility permissions inSystem Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Accessibility. Now whenever you’d like to insert a specific emoji into your text, just type its name preceded by a colon, then hit Enter and Rocket will automatically substitute your emoji in.
The short animation from The Vergeshowsit in action.
As an example, typing something like “:burrito” automatically puts in the burrito emoji, which is a lot easier than having to fumble with macOS’s convoluted emoji finder. Also, Rocket’s search works much better. The app allows you to customize the default colon key with something else and its functionality can be enabled for specific apps only.
Upgrading to a Pro version lets you use Rocket to send and store gifs, images and memes.
If you’re really old school, you’re able to access any emoji through Rocket’s built-in shortcut window. The software supports standard emoji features, such as light and dark themes, the ability to picky skins tone and more. It’s a simple and effective app that gets the job done.
Rocket is available free of charge, but you’ll get additional features if you optionally upgrade to a Pro edition for $5 (click the Rocket icon in the menu bar, then choose Browse & Search).
Upgrading to the Pro edition allows you to add your own custom emoji phrases, set custom emoji shortcuts, use the app to send viral content like animated GIFs, images and memes that can be added to its autocomplete list, and more.
If you use emojis frequently, you’re wholeheartedly recommended tograb Rocket for freeto get a feel for how it works. Then, if you’re satisfied with the app and would like to unlock its full potential, you can upgrade to a Pro edition for $5 at any time.
Animation top of postvia LifeHacker
