Text Expanders
When working on a project that requires typing the same messages or status updates several times throughout the day, it can get a bit tiresome without a way to shorten what you have to type to get the same result. But the job requires that you can’t use an acronym. That’s where text expanders come in to replace acronyms or other methods of shortening the way you type things out with their original longer equivalents. Software such as AutoHotkey and PhraseExpander will get the job done just fine, and there are plenty of other options here too!
AutoHotkey is a free, open-source scripting language for Windows that allows users to easily create small to complex scripts for all kinds of tasks such as: form fillers, auto-clicking, macros, etc.
- Free • Open Source
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
An open source, cross-platform text expander written in Rust.
Pulover’s Macro Creator is a Free Automation Tool and Script Generator. It is based on AutoHotkey language and provides users with multiple automation functions, as well as a built-in recorder.
Bundleware
From version 4.5.1, during installation, the user is presented with an offer for software by Lavasoft and a button to decline.
All in one Windows automation software. Fully configurable text expander, start menu, shortcuts, auto complete and mouse gestures. User-defined commands to run files, open webpages, send macros or automate anything. Incredibly powerful but yet simple to use.
- Freemium • Proprietary
- Mac
- Windows
- iPhone
- iPad
The autotext and text expander software "PhraseExpress" manages frequently used phrases for quick insertion into any application.
Beeftext is an open-source text substitution tool for Windows.
AutoKey, previously known as AutoKey Py3, is a Python 3 port of the discontinued OldAutoKey , the desktop automation utility for Linux and X11.
Keyboard Maestro is the leading software for Mac OS X for customizing keyboards. This automation software will increase business productivity just by using simple keystrokes. It is the first choice for all your business efficiency needs.
TextExpander boosts team productivity by cutting the repetitive typing that creeps into every task. A quick shortcode while typing drops in the necessary language to send to clients and customers.
- Free • Proprietary
- Windows
StrokesPlus.net, the successor to StrokesPlus, is a completely free mouse gesture recognition utility for Windows which allows you to create powerful mouse gestures that save you time.
aText accelerates your typing by replacing abbreviations with frequently used phrases you define.
Lintalist allows you to store and (incrementally) search and edit texts in bundles and paste a selected text in your active program.
- Paid • Proprietary
- Windows
PhraseExpander saves time typing texts, filling forms, launching programs, opening websites and automating common tasks by using customized shorts. It can also correct your spelling mistakes and includes a clipboard history manager.
Texpand is a text expansion app that helps you save a lot of time by assigning shortcuts to your frequently used texts. Features include:
AutoKey is a desktop automation utility for Linux and X11. It allows you to manage collection of scripts and phrases, and assign abbreviations and hotkeys to these. This allows you to execute a script or insert text on demand in any program.
Discontinued
The program is no longer developed. As announced by the developer, last version, 0.90.4, released in May 2012, is feature complete and can be still downloaded from Google Code Archive. A maintained port, updated to run on Python 3, has been hosted on GitHub with the name
AutoKey , previously known as AutoKey Py3
