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Espanso is an open-source text expander for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Install it using the current instructions for your operating system, then add a YAML match that pairs a trigger with the text Espanso should insert.
What Espanso does
Espanso watches as you type for a configured keyword and replaces it with the content you specify. It is configured through files rather than a settings-only interface, so the basic workflow is to install the app, create a match, and check that the match file is valid YAML.
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The project supports Windows, macOS, and Linux and is open source under the GPL-3 license. See the official Espanso website and the Espanso project repository.
Install Espanso on your operating system
Use Espanso’s official installation instructions for your specific operating system and version. Installer formats, minimum OS versions, and required permissions can vary; check the live instructions rather than relying on a command or requirement that may have changed.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
- Windows: Open the official installation instructions and follow the Windows-specific steps for your version.
- macOS: Use the macOS-specific steps in the same official guide, including any permissions or service setup it requires.
- Linux: Follow the instructions for your distribution and version. Check any service setup steps there as well.
The project’s releases page is the official place to check project releases. For installation, use the OS-specific guide so that you select the appropriate instructions and complete any platform-specific setup.
Find the configuration location and manage the service
Espanso provides CLI command families for inspecting paths and managing its service. Use the commands documented for your installed version to locate the configuration directory and check or control the running service; exact setup differs across operating systems. The official release documentation lists these CLI command families. If the service is not running or does not start automatically, return to the installation steps for your OS rather than assuming the same service procedure applies everywhere.
Rank #2
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Add your first text-expansion match
Match files define what Espanso expands. General configuration files control how the application behaves. In a match file, a trigger is paired with replacement content. The project repository gives this basic YAML example:
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matches:
- trigger: ":hello"
replace: "Hi There!"After saving the match in the appropriate match file, type :hello in a text field to test it. Espanso should replace the trigger with Hi There!. If it does not, check that the file is in the match configuration location, that the service is running, and that YAML indentation and spacing match the example. The repository notes that additional files can be used to organize matches.
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
Install reusable packages
Packages let you add collections of reusable snippets. Espanso’s package guide recommends Espanso Hub for most users because its packages are manually verified by the Espanso team. To install a package from the CLI, use:
espanso install <package_name>The CLI also supports listing installed packages, updating a selected package or all packages, and uninstalling a package. Consult the official package documentation for the relevant commands and package details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Rank #4
- 【Dreamy Rainbow Gaming Keyboard】K521 Gaming Keyboard Adopts a Different LED Backlight Design, Upgraded on the Traditional LED Backlight Effect, Making the Light More Penetrating, Giving You a More Dazzling Visual Effect, Making Your Gaming Process More Enjoyable
- 【One Touch Opens & Visual Feast】The K521 Red Dragon Keyboard has a One-Touch on/off Lighting Button for Added Convenience. It also has a Three-Position Adjustable Breathing Mode and a Four-Position Adjustable Brightness Lighting Mode
- 【Mechanical Feeling & Fast Tapping】The PC Keyboard Keys are Designed for Mechanical Feeling, Giving You a Better Feel During Use and the Ability to Trigger Keys Quickly, Allowing You to Win All Your Games
- 【19 Keys Anti-Ghosting Keyboard】Anti-Ghosting Ensures Every Button Can Be Triggered. This Allows You to Trigger Key Combinations In The Game Accurately, And Each Skill Can Be Accurately Released to Increase Your Winning Rate. Redragon K521 Will Be Your Perfect Partner
- 【12 Multimedia Combination Keys】The K521 Wired Gaming Keyboard is Equipped with 12 Multimedia Keys That Can Greatly Enhance Your Gaming/Office Efficiency and Make It More Convenient to Use
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