# Keyboard Maestro Published January 1, 2026 · Updated August 10, 2026 Automation software Category: System Utilities · Paid · [Official website](https://www.keyboardmaestro.com/main/) ## Install with Homebrew `brew install --cask keyboard-maestro` ## Quick take Keyboard Maestro is still the Mac macro automation app most power users compare against in August 2026: one-time pricing, native Apple Silicon, active 11.1.x Tahoe fixes, and a very wide action list. It is deeper than Shortcuts for power users and more approachable than pure Hammerspoon scripting, and the $36 license remains strong value. Best for: Power Users and Automation Enthusiasts, Knowledge Workers with Repetitive Tasks, Developers and Technical Professionals, Anyone Who Values One-Time Purchases Over Subscriptions ## What is Keyboard Maestro? As of August 2026, Keyboard Maestro is on the **11.x** line with **11.1.1** highlighted in Stairways Software’s **30 July 2026** press release. It remains a **US$36 one-time** purchase for version 11 (upgrade **US$25**; free upgrade for purchases since 1 March 2023), requires **macOS 10.13+ including Tahoe**, and is **native on Apple Silicon**. 11.1 expands Apple Text Recognition OCR languages; 11.1.1 fixes Application Switcher multi-Tab progression on Tahoe and related polish items. Keyboard Maestro is a deep automation and macro app for macOS, developed by Stairways Software Pty Ltd since 1990. It automates repetitive tasks through sophisticated macros triggered by hotkeys, typed strings, scheduled events, or system conditions. Unlike simpler text expanders or basic shortcut managers, Keyboard Maestro offers a full automation environment with hundreds of built-in actions, from window management and clipboard manipulation to application control and web form filling. In 2026, Keyboard Maestro 11 remains a common pick for Mac automation on Sonoma, Sequoia, and Tahoe. Its visual macro editor allows users of all skill levels to build complex automation workflows without writing code, while advanced users can drop in AppleScript, shell scripts, and JavaScript when the built-in actions are not enough. It is strongest on multi-step workflows that span several apps: data processing, report generation, document formatting, or multi-file cleanup. Clipboard history, OCR text recognition, image actions, and conditional logic mean one license often replaces a stack of single-purpose utilities. ## Features - **Tahoe Compatibility Hardening.** 11.1/11.1.1 work around Tahoe UI behaviours (squircles, OTP autofill in fields, Application Switcher edge cases) so macro libraries survive OS upgrades. - **Apple Text Recognition OCR (11.1).** 11.1 expands Apple Text Recognition OCR to additional languages including various European languages, Cantonese, Chinese, and automatic detection for screenshot-driven macros. - **Visual Macro Editor.** The heart of Keyboard Maestro is its straightforward drag-and-drop macro editor where you construct automation workflows from over 300 built-in actions. Each action snaps into a sequential list that executes from top to bottom. Actions include launching applications, manipulating windows, inserting text, controlling menus, running scripts, processing images, and interacting with web pages. You can add flow control with If/Then conditions, Repeat loops, and Try/Catch error handling. Variables allow dynamic data storage and token-based text substitution enables capable templating. The editor provides real-time syntax checking and helpful tooltips, making complex automation accessible even to non-programmers. - **Multi-Trigger System.** Keyboard Maestro offers unusual flexibility in how macros are activated. Hot Key triggers respond to global keyboard shortcuts that work anywhere on your Mac. Typed String triggers expand abbreviations into full text, type ";sig" and it instantly becomes your email signature. Application triggers fire when specific apps launch or quit. Time-based triggers execute macros on schedules, perfect for automated backups or morning setup routines. System triggers respond to idle time, screen changes, or even USB device connections. You can assign multiple triggers to a single macro and use trigger conditions to restrict when macros run based on the front application, window title, or specific keys held. - **Clipboard Manager & History.** Keyboard Maestro includes a capable clipboard history system that remembers everything you copy as text, images, or files. Access your entire copy history instantly via hotkey and search to find that snippet you copied hours ago. The clipboard switcher allows you to paste any previous item directly. Advanced users can filter clipboards by type, delete sensitive items automatically, or use clipboard content as variables in macros. The built-in OCR (Optical Character Recognition) can extract text from images in your clipboard, with support for both the Tesseract engine and Apple's native Text Recognition. This eliminates the need for separate clipboard manager apps like Paste or Maccy. - **Window & Application Control.** Take complete command of your workspace with full window management actions. Move, resize, tile, or throw windows between monitors with single keystrokes. Arrange windows into custom layouts automatically when you launch an app. The application control actions can launch, quit, hide, or activate applications programmatically. Advanced features include selecting specific menu items, clicking buttons, and even simulating mouse movements and clicks at screen coordinates. The "Prompt for User Input" action creates custom dialog boxes for interactive macros, while palettes display groups of macros as floating toolbars accessible via mouse or keyboard. - **Text & Image Processing.** Automate content manipulation with capable text processing actions. Insert text by typing (simulating keystrokes) or pasting for speed. Search and replace using regular expressions, convert case, filter lines, or sort text. Calculate mathematical expressions and format numbers. Image actions include finding images on screen (for clicking UI elements reliably), cropping, scaling, flipping, and converting formats. The screenshot action captures specific regions or windows. Combined with OCR, you can build workflows that capture screenshots, extract text, and process it automatically, perfect for digitizing receipts, capturing error messages, or archiving web content. - **Scripting & Integration.** For unlimited extensibility, Keyboard Maestro integrates with AppleScript, shell scripts (Bash/Zsh), JavaScript for Automation, and even Swift. Execute scripts and capture their output for use in subsequent actions. Control web browsers with dedicated Safari and Chrome actions, or use JavaScript to manipulate any web page. The Keyboard Maestro Engine runs in the background processing triggers even when the editor is closed, and includes a web server for remote macro triggering. Sync macros between Macs using iCloud or Dropbox. Advanced users can create Macro Groups that only activate for specific apps, keeping shortcuts organized and conflict-free. ## How to Install Keyboard Maestro on Mac Keyboard Maestro is available as a direct download from Stairways Software. It requires macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later, including full support for Apple Silicon Macs. A 30-day free trial is available with no credit card required. 1. **Download the Application.** Visit https://www.keyboardmaestro.com and click the 'Free Trial' button, or download directly from https://download.keyboardmaestro.com. The download is a small disk image file (approximately 30MB). 2. **Install and Launch.** Open the downloaded.dmg file and drag the Keyboard Maestro application to your Applications folder. Launch it from Applications or Spotlight. On first launch, you'll see the macro editor window and the Keyboard Maestro Engine will start running in your menu bar. 3. **Grant Permissions.** Keyboard Maestro requires Accessibility permissions to control applications and simulate keystrokes. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility and enable Keyboard Maestro and Keyboard Maestro Engine. You may also need to grant Screen Recording permission if using image detection features. These permissions are necessary for the app to function and your data stays local, nothing is transmitted to servers. ## Pros - Most capable and full Mac automation solution available - One-time purchase with no subscription fees, own it forever - Hundreds of built-in actions require no programming knowledge - Active development since 1990 with excellent macOS compatibility - Incredibly helpful community forum with thousands of shared macros - Fully native Mac app with Apple Silicon support and no Electron bloat - Clipboard history and window management eliminate need for separate apps ## Cons - Steep learning curve, power requires time investment to master - User interface feels dated compared to modern Mac apps - No native iOS companion app or cloud sync between devices - Requires macOS 10.13+; no Windows or cross-platform support - Not available on Mac App Store due to sandboxing requirements ## Closer look: Keyboard Maestro Architecture and Evolution Keyboard Maestro has been refined for over three decades of Mac automation, from classic Mac OS origins to the current macOS builds. ## FAQ ### What is the current Keyboard Maestro version? 11.1.1 as of the 30 July 2026 press release covering 11.1 features and 11.1.1 fixes. ### Does Keyboard Maestro support macOS Tahoe? Yes, macOS 10.13+ including Tahoe, native Apple Silicon. 11.1.1 fixes Application Switcher multi-Tab progression on Tahoe. ### How much does Keyboard Maestro cost in 2026? US$36 new license; US$25 upgrade from older majors; free upgrade if purchased after 1 March 2023. ### How much does Keyboard Maestro cost? Keyboard Maestro costs US$36 for a new license, which is a one-time purchase with no subscription fees. Upgrades from any previous version cost US$25. If you purchased version 10 after March 1, 2023, you received a free upgrade to version 11. Each license covers one user on up to 5 Macs. ### Is Keyboard Maestro compatible with macOS Sequoia and Apple Silicon? Yes, Keyboard Maestro 11 is fully compatible with macOS Sonoma, Sequoia, and Tahoe, running natively on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. It requires macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later. Note that macOS Sequoia has a bug affecting the Tesseract OCR library, but Apple's native Text Recognition works well as an alternative. ### Can I try Keyboard Maestro before buying? Yes, Keyboard Maestro offers a fully functional 30-day free trial with no credit card required. All features are available during the trial period. After 30 days, you'll need to purchase a license to continue using the software. ### Is Keyboard Maestro available on the Mac App Store? No, Keyboard Maestro is not available on the Mac App Store and hasn't been since version 5. Apple's sandboxing requirements prevent workflow automation tools from accessing the system features Keyboard Maestro requires. You must download directly from keyboardmaestro.com. ### Can I sync my macros between multiple Macs? Yes, Keyboard Maestro supports syncing via iCloud, Dropbox, or any folder syncing service. Enable syncing in Preferences > General by selecting a shared folder. All your macros, clipboards, and settings will stay synchronized across your Macs. ### Does Keyboard Maestro work with all applications? Keyboard Maestro works with virtually all Mac applications, though some require Accessibility permissions to be granted. Certain specialized actions are available for popular apps like Safari, Chrome, Mail, and Microsoft Office. Apps with unusual security restrictions may limit some features. ### Can I use Keyboard Maestro without knowing how to program? Absolutely. While Keyboard Maestro supports scripting for advanced users, the visual macro editor with 300+ built-in actions allows you to create capable automation without writing any code. The New Macro Wizard in version 11 helps beginners get started quickly. ### How do I cancel a running macro? Hold down all modifier keys (Command, Control, Shift, Option) and click the Keyboard Maestro status menu to cancel all running macros. You can also cancel specific macros from the Status Menu > Cancel submenu or by starting debugging mode from the menu bar. ### Does Keyboard Maestro collect my data? No. Keyboard Maestro is privacy-focused with all processing happening locally on your Mac. Your macros, clipboard history, and any data processed never leave your machine. The software does not phone home or transmit usage data to Stairways Software. ### What makes Keyboard Maestro different from Alfred or Raycast? While Alfred and Raycast excel as application launchers with some automation features, Keyboard Maestro is purpose-built for deep, complex automation. It offers hundreds more actions, sophisticated conditional logic, scheduled triggers, and the ability to chain multiple application interactions into single macros. Think of Alfred/Raycast as smart launchers with light automation, while Keyboard Maestro is a complete automation environment. ## Sources - [Keyboard Maestro Official Site](https://www.keyboardmaestro.com/) - [Press Release 30 Jul 2026](https://www.stairways.com/press/2026-07-30) - [What’s New wiki](https://wiki.keyboardmaestro.com/manual/Whats_New) - [Download trial](https://download.keyboardmaestro.com/) - [Keyboard Maestro Forum](https://forum.keyboardmaestro.com/) - [Purchase](https://purchase.keyboardmaestro.com) ## Related - [Maccy](https://bundl.run/apps/maccy) - [Stats](https://bundl.run/apps/stats) - [SuperWhisper](https://bundl.run/apps/superwhisper) - [MacWhisper](https://bundl.run/apps/macwhisper) - [HyperWhisper](https://bundl.run/apps/hyperwhisper) - [Aqua Voice](https://bundl.run/apps/aqua-voice) - [Keyboard Maestro vs Alfred](https://bundl.run/compare/keyboard-maestro-vs-alfred) - [Keyboard Maestro vs Hammerspoon](https://bundl.run/compare/hammerspoon-vs-keyboard-maestro) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization", "name": "Bundl.run", "url": "https://bundl.run", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://bundl.run/og-image.png", "width": 1200, "height": 630 }, "description": "The Ninite for Mac. 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