Espanso expands typed keywords into replacement text while you type, helping reduce repeated typing.
Espanso
Espanso expands configured text when a user types a matching keyword, across multiple platforms.
About Espanso
Espanso is an open-source text expander that replaces typed keywords with longer text, such as sentences, code snippets, emojis, images, or dates. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, works with most programs, and supports custom scripts, shell commands, regex triggers, app-specific settings, and a search bar for finding expansions.
Configuration is file-based using YAML files. Wayland support is described as experimental.
Key features
- Expands typed keywords into longer text across programs
- Inserts emoji, images, and dates via triggers
- Runs custom scripts and shell commands on trigger
- Supports regex triggers and app-specific configurations
- Uses file-based YAML configuration with hub package manager
- Includes search bar to locate and insert expansions
Best for: People who repeatedly type the same text, snippets, or corrections across programs on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Good for
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Described as operating 100% locally with no tracking
- Open source under GPL-3.0 license
Watch out for
- Wayland support is listed as experimental
- Match files use YAML and require correct spacing
Espanso at a glance
- Website
- github.com/espanso/espanso
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Hardware & Diagnostics
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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Espanso FAQ
What is a text expander?
A program that detects when you type a specific keyword and replaces it with something else.
How are expansions defined?
In YAML files using trigger and replace pairs, for example trigger ":hello" expands to "Hi There!".
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