Plover

For stenography on a computer, Plover provides an open-source desktop stenotype application.

github.com/openstenoproject/plover
Plover homepage screenshot

About Plover

Plover is an open-source desktop stenotype engine from the Open Steno Project. It lets people write on a computer using machine shorthand, and the README states that it runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac. The project describes speeds of 200 words per minute and beyond, and notes it is licensed GPLv2+ as of version 3.1.0. The application is written in Python and is developed by volunteers; donations to Open Steno fund projects and publishing costs.

Installation and initial configuration follow a published installation guide. Help is community-based: a wiki covers installation, a beginner's guide, supported hardware, and common troubleshooting, while general discussion happens on Discord and a Google Group, and bugs or feature requests go through the repository issue tracker.

Key features

  • Desktop stenotype engine for writing in machine shorthand
  • Runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac
  • Open source under GPLv2+ as of version 3.1.0
  • Cross-platform application written in Python
  • README cites writing speeds of 200 WPM and beyond
  • Part of the Open Steno Project alongside hardware and learning resources
Best for: People who want to learn or use machine shorthand for computer writing and prefer an open-source, cross-platform desktop tool.
Good for
  • Open source with a GPLv2+ license noted as of version 3.1.0
  • Documented for Windows, Linux, and Mac in one cross-platform application
  • Backed by an active community with a wiki, Discord, and Google Group
Watch out for
  • Support is community-driven; no commercial support is described
  • Getting started requires following an installation guide and initial configuration
  • Desktop-only; no mobile or browser-based version is described

Plover at a glance

Type
Open-source project
Pricing
Not confirmed. Check the site
Platforms
Linux, Windows
Open source
Yes · Source code
Language
English
Last checked
Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
Listed
Oct 5, 2026

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Plover FAQ

Which operating systems does Plover run on?
Plover runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac, with separate build instructions for each platform.
What license does Plover use?
Plover is GPLv2+ as of version 3.1.0; the repository also lists a GPL-2.0 license.
Where can I get help with installation or problems?
The wiki includes an installation guide, beginner's guide, supported hardware list, and troubleshooting pages. General discussion is on Discord and the Google Group, and bugs or feature requests go to the issue tracker.
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