Boards alternatives for saved messages
If Boards does not fit, a few other keyboards insert saved messages on iPhone. This roundup lists them, says what each is best for, and says plainly where a detail is not documented. We make textcuts, so read that entry with that in mind.
Short answer: For text messages with blanks you fill in, such as a name, and Hebrew gender forms, the best Boards alternative is textcuts. WordBoard and Copied suit saved snippets with automatic fields such as the date, and the iPhone's built in Text Replacement suits a few typed shortcuts. For a team that shares media and landing pages, Boards itself is the better fit.
How they compare
Prices are US prices. Where a feature is not documented, the cell says so. Text Replacement and other quick reply options are covered in more detail in our roundup of quick reply keyboards.
| Option | Best for | Fills in blanks | Hebrew | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| textcuts | Text messages with blanks such as a name, Hebrew gender forms, no account | Yes, including ones you type, such as a name | Hebrew interface and gender forms | Free tier of 8 textcuts. Pro 3.99 dollars a month, 24.99 dollars a year or 49.99 dollars once |
| Boards | Teams sharing images, videos, files and landing pages | No variables described (help center) | Not among its app languages (listing) | Free tier, then Unlimited at 95.88 dollars a year (source) |
| WordBoard: Text Expander | Text snippets, images and GIFs one tap away | Automatic placeholders such as the date and the clipboard | Not among its listed languages | 6 free keys. Pro 7.99 dollars a month, 49.99 dollars a year or 99.99 dollars |
| Copied: Workspace Keyboard | Saved replies plus clipboard history | Automatic date, time, clipboard and cursor variables | Hebrew is among its listed languages; gender forms not documented | Free for up to 4 keys, then weekly, yearly or lifetime plans |
| SnapBoards Business Keyboard | Boards of text, images, videos, PDFs and links | Not documented | Not among its listed languages | 9.99 dollars a month or 49.99 dollars a year |
| iPhone Text Replacement | A few short typed shortcuts, built in | No | No gender forms | Free, part of iOS |
What each one is best for
textcuts
Best for messages where a name or date changes each time, and for Hebrew that must agree with the contact's gender. Text only, no account, no Full Access required.
Boards
Best for teams that share images, videos, files and landing pages from one board with roles. It also has a web app and a Chrome extension.
WordBoard: Text Expander
By Bytesize Systems Pty Ltd, with 5,590 ratings in the US App Store. Saves text snippets, images and GIFs as keys, fills in automatic placeholders such as the date, and offers a one time Pro purchase. Its listing asks you to allow Full Access.
Copied: Workspace Keyboard
By Sharply Labs Ltd, with 498 ratings in the US App Store. Keeps saved replies and recent clipboard items in a keyboard, with date, time and clipboard variables and an iCloud backup. Its listing says Full Access is required.
SnapBoards Business Keyboard
By KAIN SUITE PTE. LTD., with 8 ratings in the US App Store. Keeps boards of text, images, videos, PDFs and links in a keyboard, and boards can be shared with teammates.
iPhone Text Replacement
Best for a few short phrases. It is free and already on your phone, but it has no blanks and no gender forms.
If you want a free option
The free alternative page puts the free tiers of Boards and textcuts side by side.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to the Boards app?
For text messages with blanks such as a name and Hebrew gender forms, textcuts. For saved snippets with automatic date or clipboard fields, WordBoard or Copied. For a few typed shortcuts, Apple's Text Replacement. For team media and landing pages, Boards itself remains the better fit.
Which Boards alternative works in Hebrew?
textcuts has a Hebrew interface and Hebrew gender forms. Copied lists Hebrew among its languages but documents no gender forms. Boards does not list Hebrew among its app languages.
Do any alternatives fill in a name?
textcuts fills in blanks you type, such as a name, and offers recent values again. WordBoard and Copied fill in automatic fields such as the date and the clipboard. Boards describes no variables.
Is there an alternative with no Full Access?
textcuts works fully without Full Access. Boards asks for it in its setup, and the WordBoard and Copied listings ask for it too.