Hammerspoon

What Hammerspoon is

Hammerspoon is a free, open-source desktop automation tool for macOS. It connects macOS system APIs with Lua, allowing scripts to control applications, windows, files, audio devices, batteries, displays, input events, clipboards, location services, and Wi‑Fi. Window APIs can move and resize windows, arrange several windows, and filter them according to rules or events. Scripts can run in response to application, Wi‑Fi, USB, and other system events, with scheduled runs and browser automation also listed among its capabilities. Users can add Spoons, which are ready-made Lua plugins loaded through their configuration. Documented integrations include running AppleScript and controlling Deezer or iTunes players. Hammerspoon is distributed under the MIT license and costs nothing. It runs on macOS, with the latest release listing macOS 13.0 as the minimum version. The application requires a Lua configuration file at ~/.hammerspoon/init.lua before it performs automation, and setup includes granting Accessibility access. Support channels include Discord, a mailing list, and GitHub issues for bugs and suggestions.

Who it suits

Hammerspoon suits macOS users who want to automate their computers by writing Lua scripts. It is also useful for people needing scriptable window layouts, event-driven actions, or control of system features and media players.

Limits

The free plan costs nothing, but automation requires a Lua configuration. Hammerspoon supports macOS, with macOS 13.0 listed as the minimum version.

Getting started

1. Open the Hammerspoon website and install it on macOS
2. Enable Accessibility access for Hammerspoon
3. Create ~/.hammerspoon/init.lua
4. Write or load Lua automation in the configuration
5. Install and load any desired Spoons

Verdict

Pick Hammerspoon if you want deep macOS automation through Lua and configurable event triggers. Look elsewhere if you need a graphical setup with no scripting or support for another desktop platform.