Quick Text is a text expansion feature that helps you caption images faster. Instead of typing out full names and descriptions repeatedly, you define short codes that expand into longer text when triggered.
For example, if you're photographing a sports event, you might type =v04 and have it expand to "Colts QB Ted Jorge" instantly. This saves time and reduces typing errors, especially when working on deadline.
Fast Captioning
Type short codes instead of full names. Caption dozens of images in minutes instead of hours.
Multiple Options
Each code can have up to 3 replacement options. Choose the right one for each context.
Configurable Trigger
Set different trigger characters for desktop and mobile. Use =, ;, or any character.
Works Everywhere
Quick Text works in all XMP metadata fields on both desktop and mobile gallery views.
- Type the trigger character (default is
=) followed by your code - Wait for the dropdown to appear with replacement options (minimum 2 characters required)
- Select an option using arrow keys + Enter, or click/tap on the desired replacement
- The code is replaced with your selected text
If a code has only one replacement option, it will be inserted automatically without showing the dropdown.
Example in Action
Say you have a Quick Text rule for jersey number 04:
- Code:
v04 - Option 1: "Colts QB Ted Jorge"
- Option 2: "Ted Jorge (4)"
- Option 3: "Ted Jorge"
When captioning, you type =v04 in the Caption field. A dropdown appears with all three options. Select "Colts QB Ted Jorge" for a full identification, or "Ted Jorge" for just the name.
Quick Text rules are imported via CSV (comma-separated) or TSV (tab-separated) files. Each row defines one code with up to 3 replacement options.
Format
key,replacement1,replacement2,replacement3| Column | Description | Required |
|---|---|---|
key |
The short code you'll type (e.g., v04, qb1) |
Yes |
replacement1 |
First replacement option (shown first in dropdown) | Yes |
replacement2 |
Second replacement option | No |
replacement3 |
Third replacement option | No |
Example CSV File
v04,Colts QB Ted Jorge,Ted Jorge (4),Ted Jorge
v12,Patriots WR Mike Smith,Mike Smith (12),Mike Smith
v88,Chiefs TE John Davis,John Davis (88),John Davis
coach1,Head Coach Bill Johnson,Coach Johnson,Bill Johnson
ref,Referee signals a penalty,Referee,OfficialThe system automatically detects whether your file uses commas or tabs as delimiters. Both formats work equally well. If your replacement text contains commas, use a TSV (tab-separated) file instead.
Using a Spreadsheet (Recommended)
- Open Excel, Google Sheets, or Numbers
- Create 4 columns: Key, Replacement 1, Replacement 2, Replacement 3
- Enter your codes and replacement text
- Export as CSV or copy-paste into a text file
Using a Text Editor
- Open any text editor (Notepad, TextEdit, VS Code)
- Type each rule on its own line
- Separate columns with commas or tabs
- Save with a
.csvor.txtextension
For sports photography, consider using jersey numbers as codes (e.g., v04 for visitor #4, h12 for home #12). For events, use role abbreviations (ceo, mayor, mc).
- Open the gallery in DeadlineFTP
- Click the menu icon (three dots) in the header
- Select "Quick Text Settings"
- Click "Choose File" and select your CSV/TSV file
- Review the imported rules in the preview list
- Click "Save All Changes" to apply
When you import a file, rules with matching keys will be updated (replaced), and new keys will be added. Existing rules with different keys are preserved. This allows you to update rosters without losing other rules.
You can set different trigger characters for desktop and mobile. This is useful if you prefer different characters based on your keyboard layout.
| Setting | Default | Common Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop Delimiter | = |
; : / @ |
| Mobile Delimiter | = |
; : / @ |
To change the delimiter:
- Open Quick Text Settings from the menu
- Find the Desktop Delimiter and Mobile Delimiter fields
- Enter your preferred character
- Click Save All Changes
Pick a delimiter that you won't accidentally type in normal captions. Avoid common punctuation like periods or commas. The = character works well because it's rarely used at the start of words.
When you use Quick Text in the Caption field, the system can automatically populate the Persons (Person in Image) field with the name-only version of your selection.
How it works
- The third replacement option (column 4) is used as the "name only" value
- When you select any option in the Caption field, the third option is added to Persons
- The first Quick Text use on an image replaces any existing Persons value
- Subsequent uses append names with commas (avoiding duplicates)
You caption an image with =v04 (selecting "Colts QB Ted Jorge") and then =v12 (selecting "Patriots WR Mike Smith").
The Persons field automatically becomes: Ted Jorge, Mike Smith
Always include a "name only" version as the third column in your Quick Text file. This ensures the Persons field gets clean, comma-separated names suitable for IPTC metadata.
- Keep codes short - 2-4 characters work best for fast typing
- Use consistent naming - Prefix codes by type (v = visitor, h = home, s = staff)
- Include name-only options - Always add a third column for the Persons field
- Prepare files in advance - Build rosters before events when possible
- Test before deadlines - Import and verify rules before critical shoots
- Back up your files - Keep CSV files organized by event/team for reuse