Bunch automates macOS tasks using plain-text files to launch applications, run scripts, and perform system actions.
Free
Hammerspoon
Hammerspoon automates macOS using Lua scripts, with its project page describing desktop automation features.
About Hammerspoon
Hammerspoon is a macOS automation tool that connects the operating system to a Lua scripting engine. Extensions expose macOS APIs so Lua scripts can interact with applications, windows, mouse pointers, filesystem objects, audio devices, batteries, screens, low-level keyboard and mouse events, clipboards, location services, wifi, and other system areas. Out of the box it does nothing; users create a configuration file at ~/.hammerspoon/init.lua using Hammerspoon APIs and standard Lua APIs. Installation involves downloading a release and dragging the app to /Applications, and older macOS versions may require a compatible release noted in the Release Notes.
Key features
- Bridges macOS APIs and a Lua scripting engine
- Exposes APIs for apps, windows, mouse, files, audio, batteries, screens and clipboard
- Includes APIs for wifi, location services, and low-level keyboard/mouse events
- Supports event-to-action Lua scripts, such as keyboard shortcuts or AppleScript
- Offers pre-made plugins called Spoons
- Supports pure Lua helper scripts and Objective-C extensions
Best for: Mac users who are comfortable writing Lua scripts and want to automate system, window, input, network, and device behaviors.
Good for
- Provides many exposed macOS APIs for automation
- Uses Lua and standard Lua APIs for configuration
- Offers pre-made Spoons and a Getting Started Guide
Watch out for
- Does nothing out of the box; a Lua configuration script is required
- Requires Lua scripting knowledge to use its APIs
- Older macOS versions may require a compatible release from the Release Notes
Hammerspoon at a glance
- Website
- hammerspoon.org
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Mac Apps
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- macOS, Web, Windows
- Open source
- Not stated
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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Hammerspoon FAQ
What does Hammerspoon do out of the box?
It does nothing until you create a Lua script in ~/.hammerspoon/init.lua using its APIs and standard Lua APIs.
What can Hammerspoon interact with?
Applications, windows, mouse pointers, filesystem objects, audio devices, batteries, screens, low-level keyboard/mouse events, clipboards, location services, wifi, and more.
How do I install Hammerspoon?
Download the latest release and drag the application to /Applications/. If you use an older Mac not running a recent macOS, consult the Release Notes for a compatible version.
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