Keyboard Maestro

Name: Keyboard Maestro
Brand: Keyboard Maestro

Mac automation software for building macros that control apps, text, windows, and workflows.

softwareAutomation Tools automationmacroshotkeys

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Our Verdict

Best for

Mac users who want deep, scriptable automation without a subscription.

Skip if

You want a simple, modern no-code automation tool with a gentle learning curve.

What is Keyboard Maestro?

Keyboard Maestro is a long-running macOS automation app that lets users build macros triggered by hotkeys, schedules, application launches, or system events. Macros can chain together hundreds of built-in actions, including window management, text and clipboard manipulation, image recognition, and shell scripting, to automate anything from a two-step shortcut to a multi-app reporting pipeline. Unlike subscription automation tools, Keyboard Maestro is sold as a one-time purchase and has been actively developed since 1990, with regular updates for new macOS releases including Apple Silicon. Its large library of shared macros and active community forum make it approachable for both simple keystroke shortcuts and complex conditional workflows.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentDesktop App

open source❌ No

api available❌ No

support optionsDocumentation, community forum

key integrationsAppleScript, shell scripts, JavaScript for Automation

Key Features of Keyboard Maestro

Triggers macros from hotkeys, the menu bar, application launches, time schedules, or USB device connections.

Includes hundreds of built-in actions covering window resizing, application control, and system settings.

Automates text and clipboard tasks, including a searchable clipboard history and text-expansion snippets.

Supports OCR-based image recognition so a macro can click on-screen elements by matching a screenshot.

Can call AppleScript, shell scripts, and JavaScript for Automation from within a macro for advanced logic.

Macro Wizard walks new users through building a working macro from a plain-language description.

Runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, with regular updates for new macOS versions.

Large community-shared macro library provides ready-made automations to import and customize.

Use Cases for Keyboard Maestro

Window and desktop layout automation

Snap windows into saved layouts or switch app arrangements with a single hotkey.

Repetitive data entry

Fill out recurring forms or reports by chaining text-insertion and clipboard actions.

App and file launch shortcuts

Open a specific set of apps, folders, and browser tabs together at the start of a work session.

Screen automation via image matching

Click buttons or wait for on-screen changes in apps that lack scripting support.

Pros & Cons of Keyboard Maestro

Pros

One-time purchase with no recurring subscription fee.
Extremely deep action library covers nearly any repetitive Mac task.
Long track record (since 1990) with steady, active updates.
Active user forum and shared macro library speed up learning.

Cons

Steep learning curve for building complex conditional macros.
Interface feels dated compared to newer no-code automation tools.
Mac-only, so it cannot help users who also need Windows automation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Keyboard Maestro a subscription?

No, it is sold as a one-time purchase per major version, with paid upgrades for future major versions.

Does Keyboard Maestro work on Apple Silicon Macs?

Yes, it runs natively on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.

Can Keyboard Maestro replace Shortcuts or Automator?

It covers much of the same ground and adds deeper hotkey triggers, image recognition, and a larger action library.

Is there a free trial?

Yes, a trial download is available from the website before purchase.

Pricing Overview

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Paid (One-time)

Keyboard Maestro 11

$36

Upgrade

$25

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