Side by side
aText vs AutoKey
Both stand on text expanders software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan MacWindows
Choose aText if you want custom text expansion on Windows or macOS, especially with rich snippets, scripting, or cross-computer sync. Consider another option if you need mobile support or one license that transfers between Windows and macOS.
Visit aText Free plan Linux
AutoKey offers text expansion and Python-based automation for Linux X11/Xorg desktops. Its Wayland incompatibility and limitations with some applications and keyboard layouts are important to consider.
Visit AutoKeyThe facts
| aText | AutoKey | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac, Windows | Linux |
| Lowest paid plan | Personal One year (macOS): $4.99 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 14 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | trankynam.com | github.com |
| On text expanders software | #1 of 20 | #4 of 20 |
aText: what it does well
- Expands user-defined abbreviations into frequently used phrases.
- Snippets can include formatted text, images, and attachments.
- Advanced snippets support scripts, editable fields, keystrokes, and mouse actions.
- Syncs across computers through several cloud services or a shared folder.
- The maker describes support for virtual machines and remote desktop clients.
What to know first
- The listed platforms are Windows and macOS; mobile support is absent.
- Windows and macOS licenses are not interchangeable.
- The Personal One year license covers one user and three computers.
AutoKey: what it does well
- Hotkeys and abbreviations trigger scripts or phrases.
- Offers GTK and Qt interfaces.
- Scripts can control windows and cursor position.
- Free under GNU GPL version 3.
- Installable through packages, pip, or repository.
What to know first
- Will not function correctly under Wayland.
- Abbreviations are limited to 150 typed keys.
- Pure X11 toolkit applications generally ignore synthetic events.
- Known keyboard-layout issues include Russian, Mandarin, and Japanese.
Alternatives to aText Alternatives to AutoKey The whole list