Speed matters—especially when you’re juggling tasks across multiple apps on your Mac. Keyboard shortcuts are one of the simplest ways to work faster, but macOS’s native options can only take you so far. If you’ve ever wished for more flexible, app-specific commands or the ability to automate repetitive actions, a dedicated Mac keyboard shortcut app might be exactly what you need.
From quick app launches to complex multi-step workflows, third-party shortcut tools can dramatically streamline your day. In this guide, we’ll break down the top options—what they do, who they’re for, and how they compare—so you can find the right fit for your workflow.
Why use a keyboard shortcut app on Mac?
While macOS includes basic shortcut customization, it’s fairly limited—especially if your workflow involves automation or app-specific controls. You can assign simple shortcuts to menu commands, but you can’t easily string together actions, trigger scripts, or manage system-wide shortcuts in a flexible way.
That’s where third-party keyboard shortcut apps for Mac come in. These tools unlock features like:
- Custom triggers beyond key combinations (e.g., gestures, clipboard events)
- Workflow automation for repetitive tasks
- App launching, file management, and scripting from a single shortcut
- Deeper customization tailored to specific professions
For developers, it might mean faster access to build tools. For designers, it might mean launching Photoshop actions with one keystroke. Writers and customer support teams use tools like TextExpander to insert full templates, signatures, or code blocks with just a few characters.
In short, these apps give you back control—so your keyboard works the way you do.
Built-in macOS keyboard shortcut customization
Before diving into third-party options, it’s worth knowing what macOS can do on its own. Apple includes a built-in way to assign custom keyboard shortcuts to menu commands for specific apps.
How to create shortcuts using System Settings:
- Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts
- Click App Shortcuts in the sidebar
- Hit the + button to create a new shortcut
- Choose the app, type the exact menu command name, and assign your key combo
You can create app-specific or global shortcuts this way. For example, you could assign Command+Shift+E to “Export as PDF” in Preview or use Command+Option+T to trigger a toolbar toggle across multiple apps.
However, this system has real limitations:
- You can’t assign shortcuts to non-menu actions
- No automation or multi-step workflows
- No support for custom triggers or input devices
For more on macOS’s built-in shortcut features, check out Apple’s official guide.
If you’re looking for more power and flexibility, it’s time to explore third-party solutions.
Best Mac keyboard shortcut apps
If you’re looking for more control than macOS offers out of the box, these are the top Mac keyboard shortcut apps worth checking out. Each one brings something different to the table, whether you’re after simplicity, deep automation, or something in between.
TextExpander
While not a shortcut app in the traditional sense, TextExpander is essential for anyone who types the same things repeatedly. It turns short snippets into full phrases, emails, templates, or code blocks.
- Best for: Text automation and customer communication
- Features:
- Dynamic content: dates, fill-ins, clipboard
- Cross-platform syncing
- Shared snippets for teams
- Users say:
- “Companies that want to save time and increase productivity should look into TextExpander.” — Justin Pot, PC Mag
- “Absolutely necessary tool for day to day needs” — Chou Y., G2
- “Highly Impressive Software. Huge Time Saver.” — Dave, Capterra
Hotkey App
Hotkey App is a minimalistic app that lets you launch programs or scripts with custom key combos.
- Best for: Quick app launching
- Pros: Lightweight, fast setup
- Cons: Limited functionality beyond launching
- Users say:
- “Works exactly as one would expect. Intuitive and easy to get set up.” — Audtinjp17, Apple App Store
BetterTouchTool
BetterTouchTool is of the most versatile tools for input customization. Supports keyboard shortcuts, trackpad gestures, Touch Bar actions, and even MIDI controller inputs.
- Best for: Power users customizing multiple input methods
- Notable features:
- Script triggers (AppleScript, Shell, JavaScript)
- Custom window snapping
- Integration with tools like Stream Deck
- Users say: “BetterTouchTool is inexpensive enough to use for a handful of gesture or input additions, but powerful enough to build an entire universe of triggers and actions to customize macOS to the finest degree you could possibly desire.” — Glenn Fleishman, Macworld
Keyboard Maestro
A full-fledged automation platform disguised as a shortcut tool, Keyboard Maestro lets you build complex macros, trigger sequences, and control apps down to the pixel.
- Best for: Full automation workflows
- Why it stands out:
- Visual macro editor
- Supports conditions, loops, and logic
- Controls everything from UI clicks to clipboard
- Users say: “Lets you do anything with your Mac. Automate all the things!” — Carlo Zottman, Product Hunt
Alfred (with Powerpack)
Alfred is a productivity launcher, and with the Powerpack upgrade, it becomes a keyboard-powered command center.
- Best for: Streamlining common actions and searches
- Features:
- Custom hotkeys for scripts, files, workflows
- Deep integration with macOS and third-party apps
- Optional text snippet support
- Users say: “The best spotlight upgrade in the business.” — Fernando Anselmi, Product Hunt
Karabiner-Elements
An open-source powerhouse for remapping keys on macOS, Karabiner-Elements is best suited for advanced users who need full control over their keyboard layout.
- Best for: Custom layouts and hardware remapping
- Key features:
- JSON-based config system
- Per-device settings
- Compatible with external keyboards
- Users say: “For me, Karabiner is one of the best apps I have on my mac.” — nikivi, Reddit
Tips for getting the most out of your shortcut app
Once you’ve chosen your ideal Mac keyboard shortcut app, a few best practices can help you get the most value and avoid a cluttered or confusing setup:
1. Use a consistent logic for shortcuts
Keep a pattern across your shortcuts—for example, use Cmd + Option + [Key] for launching apps, and Cmd + Shift + [Key] for actions. This makes them easier to remember and avoids accidental overlap.
2. Leverage modifier keys
Don’t be afraid to use combinations with Option, Control, or even Fn to multiply your available shortcuts. Apps like BetterTouchTool and Keyboard Maestro can detect more complex input combinations than macOS alone.
3. Backup your configuration
If you’re investing time customizing shortcuts, back up your settings. Most apps (including Keyboard Maestro and TextExpander) let you export your setup. This is essential if you switch devices or want to share setups with teammates.
4. Explore community workflows and presets
Check out community forums, GitHub repositories, or prebuilt templates. Tools like TextExpander’s Public Snippet Groups or Alfred’s Workflow Gallery offer ready-to-use enhancements.
5. Sync across devices
If you’re working across multiple Macs, use apps that support syncing—TextExpander and Alfred (with Powerpack) make it easy to keep your shortcuts aligned no matter where you’re working.
Frequently asked questions
How do I create a keyboard shortcut for an app on a Mac?
Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > App Shortcuts. Click the + button, choose the app, type the exact name of the menu command you want to trigger, and assign a shortcut. It works best for menu-based commands.
Here’s Apple’s step-by-step guide.
What is the best keyboard shortcut app for Mac?
It depends on your goals:
- For text snippets: TextExpander
- For automation: Keyboard Maestro
- For input customization: BetterTouchTool
- For simple launching: Hotkey App
Many users combine tools for the best results.
Is there a Shortcuts app on Mac?
Yes—macOS includes a built-in Shortcuts app, similar to the iOS version. It’s designed for creating automation workflows, but it’s less focused on traditional keyboard shortcuts. That said, it pairs well with apps like Keyboard Maestro for powerful task automation.
How do I get a keyboard shortcut to open an application on a Mac?
The simplest way is with a third-party app. Alfred, Hotkey App, and Keyboard Maestro all let you assign custom key combos to launch apps instantly—no clicking or searching required.
Final thoughts
A well-chosen Mac keyboard shortcut app can do more than save time—it can fundamentally change how you work. Whether you’re automating entire workflows with Keyboard Maestro, launching tasks faster with Alfred, or eliminating repetitive typing with TextExpander, the right tool helps you stay focused and efficient.
You don’t have to pick just one. Many users combine apps to cover different needs—like pairing TextExpander for text snippets with BetterTouchTool for custom gestures and shortcuts.
Start small, experiment with your workflow, and build from there. Once your keyboard matches how you think and work, the productivity boost is real.
