Automator vs Keyboard Maestro

Struggling to choose between Automator and Keyboard Maestro? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Automator is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like workflow, automation, apple, macos.

It boasts features such as Graphical workflow builder, Built-in actions for file management, data processing, app integration, Ability to record and convert user actions into automatable workflows, Supports variables, conditional logic, loops, Can be triggered manually or on events like file changes, Integrates with other Apple apps like Finder, Photos, Calendar and pros including Simple visual interface, Powerful automation capabilities, No coding required, Free built-in macOS tool, Easy to get started.

On the other hand, Keyboard Maestro is a Office & Productivity product tagged with macro, automation, keyboard, hotkeys, workflows.

Its standout features include Macro recording and playback, Macro triggers like hotkeys, keywords, time/date, Macro groups for organization, Macro editing with variables, conditions, loops, Integrates with other apps via AppleScript, shell scripts, Supports multi-action macros, Macro scheduler, Clipboard history manager, and it shines with pros like Very powerful and versatile macro capabilities, Wide range of trigger options, Macro editor makes complex workflows easy, Great for automating repetitive tasks, Integrates deeply into macOS.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Automator

Automator

Automator is an automation tool developed by Apple that allows users to create automated workflows and tasks on macOS. It provides a visual interface to construct workflows by connecting actions together that perform tasks like file manipulation, data processing, and interacting with various apps.

Categories:
workflow automation apple macos

Automator Features

  1. Graphical workflow builder
  2. Built-in actions for file management, data processing, app integration
  3. Ability to record and convert user actions into automatable workflows
  4. Supports variables, conditional logic, loops
  5. Can be triggered manually or on events like file changes
  6. Integrates with other Apple apps like Finder, Photos, Calendar

Pricing

  • Free

Pros

Simple visual interface

Powerful automation capabilities

No coding required

Free built-in macOS tool

Easy to get started

Cons

Limited to macOS

Relies on AppleScript for some advanced features

Workflows not sharable/reusable easily

Limited debugging capabilities

Steep learning curve for advanced workflows


Keyboard Maestro

Keyboard Maestro

Keyboard Maestro is a macro program for macOS that automates tasks, workflows, and scripts through hotkeys, macros, launchers, and more. It speeds up and simplifies repetive work by giving you more control with powerful macros.

Categories:
macro automation keyboard hotkeys workflows

Keyboard Maestro Features

  1. Macro recording and playback
  2. Macro triggers like hotkeys, keywords, time/date
  3. Macro groups for organization
  4. Macro editing with variables, conditions, loops
  5. Integrates with other apps via AppleScript, shell scripts
  6. Supports multi-action macros
  7. Macro scheduler
  8. Clipboard history manager

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase
  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Very powerful and versatile macro capabilities

Wide range of trigger options

Macro editor makes complex workflows easy

Great for automating repetitive tasks

Integrates deeply into macOS

Cons

Fairly steep learning curve

Can be overkill for basic automation needs

Pricier than some alternative apps