diff --git a/docs/content/extras/shortcodes.md b/docs/content/extras/shortcodes.md
index 644153fae..3d0c7d92a 100644
--- a/docs/content/extras/shortcodes.md
+++ b/docs/content/extras/shortcodes.md
@@ -22,8 +22,10 @@ apply styling for display.
 
 To avoid both of these limitations Hugo created shortcodes.
 
-A shortcode is a simple snippet inside a markdown file that Hugo will render
-using a predefined template.
+A shortcode is a simple snippet inside a content file that Hugo will render
+using a predefined template. Note that shortcodes will not work in template 
+files - if you need a functionality like that in a template, you most likely
+want a [partial template](/templates/partial) instead.
 
 ## Using a shortcode