

That means I only need one main config file that I sync across my computers to ensure I have the same shortcuts everywhere. Luckily, Espanso works across Windows, macOS, and Linux, and they all use the same configuration file format. I use Linux systems quite a bit in my day-to-day job tasks, and I was really missing my TextExpander library on those computers. Still, I’ve really come to love Espanso for its simplicity, frequent updates, and rock-solid performance. This is true for simple text replacement, but when it comes to setting up a menu or pop-up dialog, TextExpander’s UI definitely wins out in usability. Once you take a few minutes to understand the syntax, I’ve found that it’s much easier to make quick edits to a text file than it is to open the TextExpander dialog box and create a new snippet. Where TextExpander is configured solely in a window UI, Espanso is configured with a text file. When compared side by side, TextExpander definitely has more polish and refinement. One of the most useful packages is a list of commonly misspelled words to ensure you’re spelling game is always excellent. Some of the most common packages available are for writing the various accents that many languages use, mathematical notations, other scientific notations, and even emojis. Simply put, Packages are just collections of shortcuts/snippets that other people have already put together. One area that sets Espanso apart for me is the addition of Packages. Like TextExpander, you can also create custom forms so you can choose options, do smart things with dates, and even run scripts from a snippet.
#Textexpander alternatives free#
Whether you’re trying to cut down on subscription costs or you’re interested in trying alternatives, allow me to introduce you to Espanso.Įspanso is a free and open-source tool for expanding text shortcuts into longer snippets, but it’s also so much more. The service has grown and become more popular among individuals and teams, and that brought with it the dreaded subscription pricing model.
#Textexpander alternatives windows#
For as long as I can remember, TextExpander has been the de facto solution for magically expanding text shortcuts into longer snippets on macOS and Windows (and even iOS).
