# Using Content Assist

Use Content Assist to insert C/C++ elements of your project, and templates into your code. You can insert a template into your source code rather than retyping commonly-used snippets of code.

To insert a template or element:

1. In the C/C++ editor, type at least the first letter of a template or element then Ctrl+Space.
   A list displays the templates followed by the elements that start with the letter combination you typed.
2. Do one of the following:
   - Continue typing. The list shortens. When there is only one item in the list, it is automatically inserted.
   - Double-click an item in the list to insert it into your code.
   - Press Esc to close the Content Assist Window.

To set Content Assist preferences:

1. Click Window > Preferences.
2. Expand C/C++ and Editor.
3. Select Content Assist.
4. Do the following:
   - To insert an element when you open Content Assist and it is the only item in the list, select the Insert single proposals automatically check box.
   - To automatically insert a common prefix of all proposals, select the Insert common prefixes automatically checkbox.
   - To display proposals in alphabetical order, rather than by relevance, select the Present proposals in alphabetical order checkbox.
   - To change Auto-Activation of content assist for ".", "->" or "::" triggers, select the appropriate checkboxes.
5. Click OK.

Content Assist

Creating and editing templates
Importing and exporting templates

Content Assist page
Templates page