> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tapkit.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Typing

> Text input methods for iOS automation

TapKit supports multiple methods for typing text into iOS applications. Each method has different tradeoffs for speed, reliability, and setup requirements.

## Typing Methods

### Shortcut Method (Recommended)

The `shortcut` method uses an iOS Shortcut to handle text input via the clipboard. When you call the type API:

1. TapKit places the text you want to type into a server-side clipboard
2. The TapKit Shortcut is triggered on the device, which fetches the text
3. The shortcut copies the text to the device clipboard
4. TapKit uses vision to locate the active text field and performs a tap-and-hold gesture
5. When the paste menu appears, TapKit taps the "Paste" option

This method is fast and reliable for text of any length. It's the recommended approach for most use cases.

**Setup required:** You must install the TapKit Clipboard shortcut on your iPhone. See [Shortcuts Setup](/setup/shortcuts) for instructions.

```python theme={null}
phone.type_text("Hello world", method="shortcut")
```

### Keys Method

The `keys` method simulates individual keystrokes using switch control automation. Each character is typed one at a time by navigating to the appropriate key on the iOS keyboard.

This method works everywhere without additional setup, but is slower for longer text since each character requires multiple switch control steps.

<Warning>
  The keyboard extension required for the `keys` method is not yet published. Use the `shortcut` method for now. We're working on releasing the keyboard extension soon.
</Warning>

```python theme={null}
phone.type_text("Hello world", method="keys")
```

## Choosing a Method

| Method     | Speed | Setup                                       | Reliability |
| ---------- | ----- | ------------------------------------------- | ----------- |
| `shortcut` | Fast  | Requires [shortcut setup](/setup/shortcuts) | High        |
| `keys`     | Slow  | None (coming soon)                          | High        |

For most use cases, we recommend the `shortcut` method. It's significantly faster for anything beyond a few characters and handles special characters reliably.

## Default Typing Method

Each phone has a default typing method setting that's used when you don't explicitly specify a method. You can configure this via the [settings API](/api-reference/phones/get-settings) or through the dashboard.

```python theme={null}
# Uses the phone's default typing method
phone.type_text("Hello world")

# Explicitly specify a method
phone.type_text("Hello world", method="shortcut")
```

See [Phone Settings](/sdk/settings) for more details on configuring defaults.