Keyboard Maestro for Mac

Used Keyboard Maestro for Mac?

Keyboard Maestro Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

Keyboard Maestro is a powerful automation tool designed for Mac users, enabling them to streamline repetitive tasks efficiently. This trial version program allows users to create custom macros that can automate virtually any action on their system. With a user-friendly interface, it provides features such as triggering actions based on specific events, clipboard management, and the ability to control applications and windows seamlessly.

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Free

The software supports a wide range of triggers, including keyboard shortcuts, application launches, and system events. Users can create macros that combine multiple actions, enhancing productivity by reducing the time spent on routine tasks. Keyboard Maestro's extensive library of pre-built macros and its ability to script complex workflows make it an essential utility for anyone looking to optimize their Mac experience.

Keyboard Maestro for Mac

Used Keyboard Maestro for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: September 10, 2020

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 9.0.6

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System: Mac OS X

Additional Requirements

macOS Catalina
macOS Mojave
macOS High Sierra
macOS Sierra
OS X El Capitan
OS X Yosemite

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 5,319

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.6/5

53 User Votes

Very useful, timesaving, great customer service
oledavecDecember 23, 2015
Pros
Type a couple keys rather than lots of typing and clicking. Put them all together into one combination, with lots of possible triggers. Customizable to the nth degree. Hard to live without once you've used it.
Cons
A bit of a learning curve, but the results are worth it.
Summary
One of the few apps that I really use every day.
Stop reading and download
virtualinvasionOctober 13, 2015
Pros
If I had to choose one third party app for mac to not do without, it would be Keyboard Maestro. Have been using it for years and I would pay literally 10x the cost for it if it were necessary. Believe the hype - if you spend some time learning about how powerful this software is, you will be obsessed. You get what you put into it - spend some time understanding and creating macros, it will be time well spent.
Cons
I sound like a raving fanboy not being able to come up with any negatives.. so there's that.
Summary
If you are a problem solver and want to automate repetitive tasks (and unlock the full potential of your mac), this app is for you. Ugh, you're reading too much, why haven't you installed this yet?
Not a single day without it!
hphbsNovember 1, 2012
Pros
For me one of the best tools I actually have. I can't imagine working without it, I use it permanently. Even great support in case of questions - simply five stars overall!!! Keep on the good work.
Cons
For me no Cons. Maybe something on my personally wish list but maybe some day... ;)
Summary
No better way to save time and have fun.
And I thought I was facing a life without shortcuts!
allboutthestorySeptember 2, 2012
Pros
After decades of relying on QuicKeys, Startly's seeming inability to recover from their setbacks and continue development of their bread-and-butter product forced me to look elsewhere. I was beginning to think that the hotkey-macro concept was dead in MacLand. After trying a lot of lightweights, I stumbled onto Keyboard Maestro. It seems to take up where QKs left off. The interface is a bit different than I'm used to, but it's relatively easy to learn and, as far as I've been able to tell, endless in its possibilities. And the developer responds super-quick to any questions.
Cons
At first, I thought the interface was just...un-Mac-like. But, after seeing it in action, I see it as just lean 'n mean. It throws the minimal stuff at you to let you get the job done, then gets out of the way. I get it now.
Summary
I DL'd it, I tried it, I bought it.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Sep 3, 2012<p/>Gotta add this. I just got an e-mail from Peter, the developer, that contains, in part: "I will email you again in a few days with more information on getting the most out of Keyboard Maestro. In the mean time, if you need any assistance that you cannot immediately find in the documentation, please feel free to ask me." Follow-up? Standing by? Wow. Unheard of in this brave new "put-it-in-the-App-Store-and-forget-it-forever" world.
A great tool to save time and sanity!
JimSewellMarch 29, 2012
Pros
Keyboard Maestro is easy to use for beginner to expert alike. It is extremely powerful and versatile. With it you can automate almost any task with little-to-no knowledge of programming and other technical stuff. Updates are also frequent with great new features coming often.
Cons
The user community is not booming like I would prefer. With such a tool, forums trading great uses among members is a natural but I've not seen one.
Summary
This is a truly remarkable tool that anyone needing automation, from complex window moves to simple text expansion, will benefit from. Give it a try. I'm glad I did.
If I had to be stranded on an island w/ one Mac App...
dudikusmaximusOctober 19, 2011
Pros
There's a reason John Gruber at Daring Fireball has said that this app is one that "Batman would keep in his utility belt if his utility belt were a metaphor-stretched Macintosh." Peter at KM is super responsive, and they provide a really helpful series of email tutorials after initially signing up to help you with the learning curve. THis app has quickly become indispensable to the way I interact w/ my Mac.
Cons
Not crazy about the design aesthetic, but the genius of the app is that you rarely see it working anyway, so hardly bothers me.
Summary
The best Mac app out there.
bettyandmaxsboyJuly 31, 2011
Pros
I could not get along without Keyboard Maestro. Its capabilities are way beyond my talents, but I cherish the uses I have for it (55 macros and counting). Peter is very responsive, and there are some excellent MVPs.
Cons
It's hard to find a quibble, but if forced, I would recommend some work on the user interface when debugging the macros.
Summary
Excellent, powerful, capable, stable macro system for OS X. Great support.
Must have for all Mac users!
1drummergirlJuly 18, 2011
Pros
This was a fabulous find! I was looking for a hot-key app and got so much more. It saves me tons of time on a daily basis. I'm always looking for ways to use it more and save additional time.
Cons
It's not the most intuitive app, but the instructions are clear and the developer is very responsive!
Summary
Buy it. You'll wonder how you ever functioned without it.
The sole reason I'm finally switching to Snow Leopard
landmark99July 4, 2011
Pros
With the addition of conditional macros, every other macro utility might as well just fold up and go home. This is AWESOME. An incredible bargain, you will wonder how you ever lived without it.
Cons
It doesn't do my laundry. But other than that . . .
Summary
this changes everything!!!
gordonpetersonJune 27, 2011
Pros
i can create custom shortcuts for almost anything imaginable. i don't rely on program specific code snippets. keyboard maestro handles everything the same across applications. i have it tied into my home automation system. works great!!
Cons
no ability to drag and drop. other than that the only other con i could think of is that i find myself obsessing over macros!
Summary
get your computer and application to work the way you want it to! this little application has increased my productivity more than any other application I have installed on my computer. because it can interface with any application on my computer, i would say i use this program more than any other program on my mac. I LOVE IT.

Developer’s Description

By Stairways Shareware

Assign your hotkeys.

Keyboard Maestro is a powerful macro program for Mac OS X. Keyboard Maestro will take your Macintosh experience to a new level in Ease of Use. With Keyboard Maestro you can design your own shortcuts and activate them at any time, you can navigate through running applications and open windows with Program Switcher, and you can work with an unlimited number of clipboards - all by pressing simple keystrokes.