AutoText settings

The Settings pane is where you define the core properties of an AutoText. These settings determine how the AutoText behaves during reporting, including how it is named, invoked, organized, and filtered by patient attributes.

The Settings pane includes the following properties:

Name

The Name of the AutoText is shown in the search results in the AutoText Manager and acts as the word or phrase users can dictate to invoke the AutoText.

Follow these naming conventions to ensure accurate speech recognition:

  • Use at least two syllables.
  • Choose a name that is easy to dictate.
  • Use lowercase letters, except for initials (for example, CT chest).
  • Do not use punctuation or special characters.
  • AutoText names must be unique within an account.

Description

Provides a brief summary of the AutoText to help users quickly identify its purpose.

Type

Select whether the AutoText is a Template, Module, or Macro.

Shortcut

Assign a short, space‑free keystroke (two or more letters or numbers) to a Macro. When the shortcut is typed in the Report Editor and uniquely identified, the system prompts insertion of the associated Macro content.

Private

Select the Private check box to restrict the AutoText so it is visible only to administrative users.

Folder

Assign the AutoText to an existing folder or create a new folder using the Folder dropdown. Learn about Managing folders.

Class and gender

Optionally assign a patient class and gender. When specified, the AutoText is available only for reports that match those criteria.

Lower age limit and upper age limit

Optionally define an age range (in years). When set, the AutoText is available only for reports where the patient’s age falls within that range.

For example, setting 0 to 13 makes the AutoText available only for pediatric patients (up to 12 years, 11 months).

Default

Marking an AutoText as Default automatically launches it in the Report Editor for its assigned procedure(s) when the Start with default AutoText preference is enabled (Preferences › Report Editing › Start with default AutoText).

Tip

Although Modules and Macros can be set as default, Templates are the recommended and preferred AutoText type for default use.

Recommendation for optimal reporting
When creating AutoText entries that are scoped to specific attributes (such as class or sex), include corresponding options to ensure complete and consistent reporting.

  • For class‑specific AutoText, always create at least one additional AutoText entry with Not Applicable selected. This ensures accurate documentation when a defined class does not apply.
  • For sex‑specific AutoText (for example, Male), create equivalent AutoText entries for Female and Non‑Binary. Providing a full, inclusive set of options supports standardized reporting and helps prevent documentation gaps.
  • For age‑restricted AutoText (for example, ages 0–13), create at least one additional AutoText entry that covers the remaining age range (for example, 14–110). This helps ensure all patient populations are appropriately represented and avoids gaps in documentation.