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.
Keyboard Maestro image
macro automation keyboard hotkeys workflows

Keyboard Maestro: Macro Program for Automating macOS Taskss

Keyboard Maestro automates tasks, workflows, and scripts through hotkeys, macros, launchers, and more, speeding up and simplifying repetitive work with powerful macros.

What is Keyboard Maestro?

Keyboard Maestro is a powerful and popular automation app for macOS that allows you to automate repetitive tasks, build workflows, set up hotkeys and keyboard shortcuts, create application launchers, and more. It gives you more control over your Mac by letting you set up triggers like hotkeys, application launches, timers, system events, text inputs, and more to run pre-configured macros and scripts.

With Keyboard Maestro, you can speed up your everyday workflows and eliminate repetitive, manual work. For example, you can create a macro to format text a certain way in documents with a keyboard shortcut instead of doing the same steps manually each time. Or you can set up a macro that resizes and optimizes a batch of images automatically. The possibilities are vast.

The software has a wide range of features including variables, control flow tools like if/then statements and loops, ability to integrate with external scripts and apps, cross-platform syncing via iCloud or Dropbox, global and floating palettes to easily access your macros, and more. It has a powerful editor to build macros visually.

Keyboard Maestro has an engaged user community creating and sharing useful macros and template to help you get the most from the software. It receives consistent updates from the developer to improve speed and reliability. With robust capabilities tailored for power users, Keyboard Maestro is considered one of the top automation apps for Mac.

Keyboard Maestro Features

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


The Best Keyboard Maestro Alternatives

Top Office & Productivity and Automation and other similar apps like Keyboard Maestro


AutoHotkey icon

AutoHotkey

AutoHotkey is a free, open-source scripting language for Windows that allows users to automate repetitive tasks, customize keyboard shortcuts, integrate other applications, and more. Originally released in 2003 by Chris Mallett, AutoHotkey has become a popular automation tool for programmers, software testers, writers, gamers, artists, and power users.Some key features...
AutoHotkey image
AutoIt icon

AutoIt

AutoIt v3 is a freeware BASIC-like scripting language designed for automating the Windows GUI and general scripting. It uses a combination of simulated keystrokes, mouse movement and window/control manipulation in order to automate tasks in a way not possible or reliable with other languages.AutoIt was initially designed for PC "roll...
AutoIt image
Automator icon

Automator

Automator is an automation tool developed by Apple exclusively for macOS. It provides a visual, flowchart-style interface for users to automate repetitive tasks and workflows without needing to write complex scripts.With Automator, users can create workflows by connecting together a series of actions. There are pre-built actions for tasks like...
Automator image
TextExpander icon

TextExpander

TextExpander is a productivity software designed to save you time and effort when typing repetitive text. It works across multiple devices and applications by allowing you to create custom keyboard shortcuts that instantly expand into full paragraphs, boilerplate messages, signatures, and other frequently used text snippets.Some key features of TextExpander...
TextExpander image
Karabiner Elements icon

Karabiner Elements

Karabiner Elements is a powerful and flexible keyboard customization utility for macOS. It allows you to customize and remap your keyboard keys, modify key behaviors, create complex macros and shortcuts, and more.Some of the key features of Karabiner Elements include:Key remapping - Remap any key to any other key or...
Karabiner Elements image
Keyran icon

Keyran

Keyran is an open-source, cross-platform password manager and generator that emphasizes privacy and security. It allows users to securely store passwords, credit card information, bookmarks, and other sensitive information encrypted on their device using strong encryption like AES-256 and RSA-2048.Some key features of Keyran include:Secure password generation - Create strong,...
Keyran image
HID Macros icon

HID Macros

HID Macros is a lightweight software utility that gives you the ability to create custom macro buttons and shortcuts on HID (human interface device) peripherals such as keyboards, mice, gamepads, and more. With HID Macros, you can configure your extra mouse buttons, specialized gaming keys, keyboard media keys, and other...
HID Macros image
Beeftext icon

Beeftext

Beeftext is an open-source, web-based rich text editor designed as an alternative to commercial or proprietary tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. As a javascript-based application that runs in the browser, Beeftext does not require any downloads or installations.Features include the ability to:Edit text and apply formatting like bold,...
Beeftext image
Quicksilver icon

Quicksilver

Quicksilver is a fast and intuitive utility application for macOS. Originally developed in 2002, it aims to enhance productivity by giving quick access to files, applications, contacts and other system functionality.Some key features of Quicksilver include:Typing abbreviations or keywords to quickly launch applicationsBrowsing the filesystem and opening files rapidlyLookup and...
Quicksilver image
AText icon

AText

aText is a free text editor for Windows designed to be lightweight, fast, and easy to use. Some key features of aText include:Tabbed interface for working with multiple documentsSyntax highlighting for various programming languages and markup formatsSearch and replace across multiple files or directoriesConfigurable themes and fonts for customizing the...
AText image
CustomShortcuts icon

CustomShortcuts

CustomShortcuts is a free and open-source desktop application for Windows that allows users to create custom keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys to automate repetitive tasks and boost productivity.With an easy-to-use interface, users can set global or application-specific hotkeys to trigger actions like opening files and websites, executing scripts, sending keystrokes and...
CustomShortcuts image
QuicKeys icon

QuicKeys

QuicKeys is a powerful keyboard shortcut and automation utility for macOS that has been available for over 20 years. It allows users to create custom keyboard shortcuts, abbreviations, text expansions, and workflows to automate repetitive tasks and boost productivity.With QuicKeys, you can launch applications, insert frequently used text snippets, reformat...
QuicKeys image
WinParrot icon

WinParrot

WinParrot is an open-source virtualization platform for Windows that allows users to run other operating systems virtually inside Windows. It works similarly to Parallels Desktop on MacOS.Some key features of WinParrot include:Ability to install and run Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian etc. alongside WindowsRun older versions of Windows virtually...
WinParrot image
Multi Task Tool icon

Multi Task Tool

Multi Task Tool is a free and open-source software application designed to help users better organize and manage multiple programs and windows on their computer. It works by allowing you to group different running applications into separate virtual desktops, essentially providing more screen real estate to work with.Some of the...
Multi Task Tool image
Repeat icon

Repeat

Repeat is a user-friendly calendar and task management application designed to help people organize their schedules and daily tasks. It provides an easy way to set up repeating events, reminders, and to-do lists.Some key features of Repeat include:Intuitive calendar interface for creating events and scheduling appointments or meetingsOptions for making...
Repeat image
Text Blaze icon

Text Blaze

Text Blaze is a powerful text expander and automation tool for Windows and Mac. It helps you save time by allowing you to create reusable text snippets and custom macros.With Text Blaze, you can automate repetitive typing tasks by setting up text abbreviations that expand into full paragraphs or even...
Text Blaze image
WinAutomation icon

WinAutomation

WinAutomation is a leading Windows automation and robotic process automation (RPA) software designed to automate repetitive and manual tasks without programming. It allows users to automate processes across applications, websites, enterprise systems, and more through an intuitive graphical interface.Key features include:Record and replay tasks to create automated workflows (bots)Drag-and-drop interface...
Quick Macros icon

Quick Macros

Quick Macros is a versatile keyboard macro automation tool designed specifically for Mac. It lets users automate repetitive tasks and workflows by recording mouse clicks, keyboard input, shortcuts, menu actions, and more into fully customizable macros.Some key features of Quick Macros include:Intuitive macro recorder with variable playback speed controlsRobust macro...
Quick Macros image
Macro Express icon

Macro Express

Macro Express is a popular Windows automation and productivity software that allows users to automate repetitive or routine computing tasks. It works by recording mouse movements, keyboard input, data entry, and other actions as you perform them manually, then plays back those actions whenever desired, eliminating the need to repeat...
Macro Express image
Mini Mouse Macro icon

Mini Mouse Macro

Mini Mouse Macro is a free, open-source macro creation and automation software for Windows. It allows users to automate repetitive tasks such as clicking, mouse movements, keystrokes, etc. with an easy-to-use macro recorder.Some key features of Mini Mouse Macro include:Intuitive macro recorder to record and replay mouse and keyboard actionsSupport...
Mini Mouse Macro image
Automation Workshop icon

Automation Workshop

Automation Workshop is a robotic process automation (RPA) software used to automate repetitive and mundane tasks on a computer. It provides a visual, low-code interface that allows non-technical users to build automation workflows without needing to know how to code.With Automation Workshop, users can record and playback tasks like filling...
Automation Workshop image
Buttoncommander icon

Buttoncommander

Buttoncommander is a powerful and versatile software for customizing buttons, shortcuts, and macros on keyboards, mice, gamepads, and other input devices. It gives you complete control to optimize and automate repetitive tasks.With Buttoncommander, you can create complex macros involving keystrokes, mouse clicks, application launches, text snippets, custom scripts, and more....
Buttoncommander image
Paletro icon

Paletro

Paletro is a powerful yet easy-to-use tool for creating color palettes and managing your library of palettes. It allows designers, artists, and anyone who works with color to visually build color schemes in an intuitive interface.You can easily select colors using the color wheel and color picker tools, or by...
Paletro image
Mjolnir icon

Mjolnir

Mjolnir is an open-source automation and productivity software for macOS. It gives users the ability to customize workflows and keyboard shortcuts to control their mac more efficiently.Some of the key features of Mjolnir include:Create powerful workflows by chaining actions togetherSet global or app-specific keyboard shortcutsIntegrates with various macOS features like...
Mjolnir image
Axife Mouse Recorder icon

Axife Mouse Recorder

Axife Mouse Recorder is a free and open source mouse and keyboard recording software for Windows. It allows users to record all mouse movements, clicks and keyboard actions and save them as macro scripts. These macros can then be played back later to automate repetitive tasks.Some of the key features...
Axife Mouse Recorder image
PS Hot Launch VVL icon

PS Hot Launch VVL

PS Hot Launch VVL is a specialized software application designed for process safety engineers working in oil, gas, chemical, and other process industries. It is used to model and simulate pressure relief systems to ensure adequate protection against overpressure in piping networks and process equipment.Key features of PS Hot Launch...
PS Hot Launch VVL image
Hammerspoon icon

Hammerspoon

Hammerspoon is an open-source automation tool for macOS that allows you to control and automate your workflow using Lua scripting. It bridges the gap between user input and system output by providing hooks to interact with native macOS windows and APIs in a programmatic way.Some key features of Hammerspoon include:Automating...
Hammerspoon image
WinMacro icon

WinMacro

WinMacro is a Windows automation and macro recording software application. It provides capabilities to record, edit, and replay macros in order to automate repetitive tasks and processes.Key features of WinMacro include:Recording mouse movements, clicks, keyboard input and taking screen capturesEditing macros with a built-in text editorScheduling macros to run at...
Anacron icon

Anacron

Anacron is a computer program that performs periodic command scheduling, even in the event of a system reboot. It is typically used to execute jobs that require running on a regular basis, but may not run if the system is powered off at the scheduled time.Anacron works by checking the...
Anacron image
Keystarter icon

Keystarter

KeyStarter is an online crowdfunding platform focused on helping entrepreneurs and inventors launch new software and hardware projects. It allows creators to set up campaign pages to promote their ideas, get feedback and input from potential users, and raise funds to turn concepts into reality.Creators post profiles of their proposed...
Keystarter image
Perfect Keyboard icon

Perfect Keyboard

Perfect Keyboard is a highly customizable on-screen keyboard app for Android. It offers a wide range of customization options to help you create the perfect keyboard layout and experience for your needs.With Perfect Keyboard, you can:Customize the keyboard layout - Choose from QWERTY, QWERTZ or AZERTY layouts. You can also...
Perfect Keyboard image
Rocket Typist icon

Rocket Typist

Rocket Typist is an advanced typing tutor software designed to help users improve their typing speed and accuracy. It includes various typing lessons ranging from beginner to advanced levels, allowing you to progress at your own pace.Some key features of Rocket Typist include:Detailed typing stats and progress graphs to track...
Rocket Typist image
Briskine icon

Briskine

Briskine is a web-based project management and task management software designed for agile teams. It provides a variety of tools to help organize workflow, track progress, and collaborate effectively on projects.Key features of Briskine include:Boards, lists, and cards - Plan and break down projects into manageable tasks that can be...
Briskine image
CodeExpander icon

CodeExpander

CodeExpander is a lightweight code editor optimized for quickly writing, navigating, and editing code. It provides essential coding features like syntax highlighting, automatic code completion, project explorer, fast searching, customizable themes, and extensibility with plugins.While packed with features, CodeExpander still maintains a fast and responsive interface. It starts up quickly...
CodeExpander image
CanSnippet icon

CanSnippet

canSnippet is an open-source web bookmarklet tool that allows users to easily copy and save snippets of content from any web page they are browsing. It works by adding a bookmarklet button to the browser's bookmarks bar, which when clicked on any page, extracts text, images, links, and other content...
CanSnippet image
Clavier+ icon

Clavier+

Clavier+ is an advanced on-screen keyboard program designed for Windows. It provides extensive customization options that allow you to tailor the keyboard to your needs.With Clavier+, you can create custom keyboard layouts with different key positions, sizes, colors, and sounds. This makes it easy to optimize the keyboard for one-handed...
Lord of User Interface icon

Lord of User Interface

Lord of User Interface is a leading user interface design and prototyping tool used by UI/UX designers, product managers, and development teams. It provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for rapidly building out user interface screens and flows for web and mobile applications.Key features include:Drag-and-drop widgets and components for quickly mocking...
Lord of User Interface image
ICanHazShortcut icon

ICanHazShortcut

iCanHazShortcut is a free, open-source keyboard shortcut manager developed specifically for the Windows operating system. It provides users with an easy way to create customized keyboard shortcuts to quickly access files, folders, websites, and perform various actions on their computer.Some of the key features of iCanHazShortcut include:Intuitive and user-friendly interface...
ICanHazShortcut image
Javauto icon

Javauto

Javauto is an open-source test automation framework designed specifically for testing Java applications. It allows you to automate UI, API, and component tests using a simple, flexible API.Some key features of Javauto include:Supports cross-browser testing of web applications built with Java frameworks like Spring MVC, JSF, Vaadin, etc.API testing framework...
Physcape icon

Physcape

Physcape is a powerful yet easy-to-use 3D modeling and animation software designed specifically for creating realistic 3D plant models. With an intuitive user interface and specialized toolset focused on plants, Physcape allows you to quickly generate complex plant shapes complete with leaves, branches, flowers and fruit.Key features of Physcape include:Procedural...
Physcape image
TastenTrick icon

TastenTrick

TastenTrick is a lightweight yet powerful keyboard macro utility for Windows that allows users to automate repetitive tasks and workflows. With an easy-to-use interface, TastenTrick can record sequences of keyboard and mouse inputs, then play them back instantly using customizable hotkeys.Some of the key features of TastenTrick include:Intuitive macro recording...
TastenTrick image