Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

FastKeys VS TextExpander

Compare FastKeys VS TextExpander and see what are their differences

FastKeys logo FastKeys

Latest Version 4. 05. 28th December 2017 - Engine optimization, - Language translation updates, - General improvements and bug fixes. View Version History Your FEEDBACK is highly appreciated - send us an email or make a comment on FastKeys Forum.

TextExpander logo TextExpander

TextExpander: Communicate Smarter. Gather, Perfect, Share Your Knowledge. Recall your best words instantly, repeatedly.
  • FastKeys Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-18
  • TextExpander Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-12

FastKeys features and specs

  • Versatility
    FastKeys offers a wide range of automation tools, including text expansion, start menu customization, and macro recording, making it a versatile choice for various automation needs.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The program features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, allowing users of all technical skill levels to set up and manage their automation tasks easily.
  • Customizability
    FastKeys allows for extensive customization options, enabling users to tailor the automation and shortcuts to their specific workflow requirements.
  • Efficiency
    By automating repetitive tasks, FastKeys significantly increases productivity and efficiency, saving users time and reducing the likelihood of errors.
  • Support and Documentation
    FastKeys offers comprehensive documentation and customer support, ensuring that users can get assistance and make the most out of the software.

Possible disadvantages of FastKeys

  • Learning Curve
    Although the interface is user-friendly, the extensive features and options may be overwhelming for new users, requiring time to learn and fully understand all the functionalities.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Some users have reported compatibility issues with certain applications and operating systems, which can limit the effectiveness of the software.
  • Cost
    While FastKeys offers a free trial, the full version comes with a cost, which may be a consideration for individuals or small businesses with limited budgets.
  • Resource Usage
    Running multiple automation scripts simultaneously can lead to increased resource usage, potentially affecting the overall performance of the system.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    For highly specialized or advanced automation tasks, FastKeys may lack some features found in more technical scripting or programming solutions.

TextExpander features and specs

  • Increased Efficiency
    TextExpander allows users to create and use shortcuts for frequently used text, significantly reducing the time spent on repetitive typing tasks.
  • Consistency
    By using pre-defined snippets, TextExpander ensures that commonly used phrases and responses are consistent across different documents and communications.
  • Customization
    Users can customize their snippets with variables, macros, and even scripting, providing flexibility to meet diverse needs.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    TextExpander supports multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and ChromeOS, allowing users to maintain productivity across different devices.

Possible disadvantages of TextExpander

  • Cost
    TextExpander requires a subscription, which can be expensive for some users or small businesses compared to free alternatives.
  • Learning Curve
    New users might find it challenging to learn how to create and manage snippets effectively, which could hinder initial productivity.
  • Privacy Concerns
    As a cloud-based service, there may be concerns about the security and privacy of the data stored and transmitted through TextExpander.
  • Potential Overhead
    While powerful, the extensive customization options might lead to overcomplication and create additional overhead for users who do not fully utilize advanced features.

Analysis of FastKeys

Overall verdict

  • FastKeys is generally considered to be a good tool for individuals and professionals looking to streamline their workflow. Its ease of use, coupled with robust features, makes it a valuable tool for automation enthusiasts.

Why this product is good

  • FastKeys is a powerful automation software that can enhance productivity by allowing users to automate repetitive tasks, create keyboard shortcuts, and manage text expansion. It also integrates with a variety of applications and offers customization options, making it versatile for different needs.

Recommended for

  • Professionals who regularly perform repetitive tasks and want to save time.
  • Individuals looking to increase productivity through keyboard shortcuts and macros.
  • Anyone needing a text expander for faster typing and document creation.
  • Users seeking a customizable automation tool that can integrate with various software.

Analysis of TextExpander

Overall verdict

  • TextExpander is generally considered good, especially for users who frequently find themselves typing repetitive text. It can significantly improve productivity for those who require consistency and speed in their written communications.

Why this product is good

  • TextExpander is widely appreciated for its ability to save time and increase productivity by allowing users to create snippets of text that can be quickly inserted into documents, emails, or any text field with simple keyboard shortcuts. It offers features like snippet suggestions, cross-platform support, team functionality, and detailed usage statistics, which help enhance user efficiency.

Recommended for

  • Professionals who handle large volumes of email communications
  • Writers and editors needing quick access to boilerplate content
  • Customer support teams aiming to provide consistent responses
  • Programmers looking to automate code snippets
  • Individuals who want to reduce typing time and error rates

FastKeys videos

Fastkeys: The Basics on this terrific text replacement software

TextExpander videos

My favourite productivity tool - Textexpander Review

More videos:

  • Tutorial - TextExpander Simply Saves Time! - Quick Tutorial
  • Review - One of the Best Productivity Tools Out There: An Overview of Textexpander [Quick Review]

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to FastKeys and TextExpander)
Automation
57 57%
43% 43
Writing Tools
32 32%
68% 68
Windows Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Personal Productivity
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare FastKeys and TextExpander

FastKeys Reviews

Microsoft Power Automate
FastKeys is an all-in-one Windows automation platform. Its functionality includes a fully configurable text expander, start menu, mouse gestures, etc. The tool allows the users to generate user-defined commands to operate files or to automate any function. Some features are as follows:

TextExpander Reviews

Best Text Expander apps for MacOS
Well, the Text Expander is often regarded as a classic text Automator and is arguably one of the best names in this business. Despite its soaring popularity, the Text Expander users were baffled when the makers moved to a subscription service and offered the same at an annual rate of $40. Other cheaper alternatives offered similar experiences at a much lower price....
Source: techwiser.com
What's a good alternative to Textexpander for Mac?
10aTextView ProductMichelle NickolaisenOwner, Bombchelle Industries · Written 4y agoI use aText and I've had 1-2 very minor issues with it over the years, but nothing major. It's definitely worth the $5 fee if you just want something that does text shortcuts & don't necessarily want or need TextExpander's other features.🙏 helpful 4Comments (1)ShareAllan CaegFounder,...
Typing shortcut utilities: 6 alternatives to TextExpander
If TextExpander’s subscription service rubs you the wrong way, you have several options that you can buy—and one that’s free.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, TextExpander seems to be a lot more popular than FastKeys. While we know about 25 links to TextExpander, we've tracked only 2 mentions of FastKeys. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

FastKeys mentions (2)

  • Autohotkey with a visual GUI for windows by microsoft ?
    I think you've read about Power Automate Desktop, but meant this: fastkeysautomation.com. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Template for phrases and boilerplate type text
    Https://fastkeysautomation.com/ ended up being legitness, the macros and set up trake a bit of tinkering but are very powerful and it looks to be a one time purchase 👍. Source: about 4 years ago

TextExpander mentions (25)

  • You don't have to type faster to type faster
    If you are already using Alfred[1] (with PowerPack), then snippets are your friend. Combine this with macOS's own Text Replacement[2], can cover most needs. You add up your snippets as you go along and sync/backup it so you won't have to re-do on each install/upgrade. I also found out that it is easier to use "," as a deliminator as there is no way I will type a normal English word with a comma then a character... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Show HN: I automated 1/2 of my typing
    First, I have to make a personal confession — I never liked the SMS short-hand thingy that worked with pre-iPhone phones. That was one of the reason I use SMS/Text-Messages unless I really need to. I have been using text-expansion since the early days of TextExpander[1], an app that works on iOS and macOS. However good the iPhone keyboard was, it was always not convenient to type and retype details such as home... - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Getting faster at plug and play motions and using templates
    There is an app called TextExpander that you can use to store frequently used text selections and then type a shortcut to have it automatically insert into any Microsoft document. It is extremely helpful for busting through routine motions or correspondence. For example, if I want my atty’s signature block, I have it set up to insert when I type /sigblock. I have whole letters and pleadings saved in there and I... Source: about 2 years ago
  • Suggest a text expander/ Clipboard app for my use case
    TextExpander: The reference, but is also subscription based. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Tip: Use Text Snippets
    To help me save time and avoid distractions, I’ve been using prompts through the TextExpander app. These prompts are shortcuts that I’ve created to quickly add little instructions I feel I have to repeat often. For example, I’ve created a prompt to “stamp all code snippets you produce with a unique identifier,” which has made it much easier to ask GPT3 to go back and retrieve the code I’m referencing. Source: over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing FastKeys and TextExpander, you can also consider the following products

AutoHotkey - The ultimate automation scripting language for Windows.

PhraseExpress - PhraseExpress is one of the best and most fully featured text expansion apps available to Windows users.

AutoIt - Other Articles You May Like AutoIt Script Editor AutoIt Downloads AutoIt Scripting Language

espanso - An Open Source, Cross-platform Text Expander on steroids

Pulover’s Macro Creator - Pulover’s Macro Creator is a Free Automation Tool and Script Generator.

aText - aText accelerates your typing by replacing abbreviations with frequently used phrases you define.