What is autocomplete in indexing?

The indexing program has an autocomplete feature that can help you index more quickly and accurately. As you type, a drop-down list appears to show previous content that is either allowed in the field or has been typed into this same field for other records. This autocomplete feature works the same way from batch to batch and project to project. This autocomplete feature has also been called "universal data entry."

For example, if you have entered a surname on a previous entry, the system remembers it and suggests it the next time you start typing that surname again. The autocomplete also helps you with names of months, place-names, and similar types of information that may repeat from one record to the next.

You can turn the autocomplete feature on and off in your indexing settings.

Steps

  1. Type the first letter or few letters of the information that should go in a field. A drop-down menu may appear. It shows single words that match what you’re typing, such as the month. Some fields will also show multi-word entries from the history that match. For example, if you've previously typed "American Indian" in a field, typing "am in" will show "American Indian."
  2. Accept or reject the auto-suggested value. We recommend that you get in the habit of pressing Tab to move from field to field and pressing Enter to select a suggested item from the drop-down list.
    • Press Tab to ignore the auto-suggested value. The indexing programs keeps what you typed and advances to the next field. Pressing Tab does not open a new record or submit the batch.
    • Press Enter (or Return) to accept the highlighted auto-suggest value from the drop-down menu. The indexing program inserts the auto-suggested value into the field and advances to the next field. If the Next Image or Submit Batch options are highlighted, pressing Enter also takes those actions.
    • Press the Right Arrow to accept the auto-suggested value and stay in the same field so that you can keep typing. Auto-suggest continues to make suggestions as you type in a multi-word entry.

How do I turn autocomplete off while indexing?
How do I begin indexing on FamilySearch?

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