Alternatives to Keyboard Cowboy

Builds macOS keyboard shortcuts that launch apps, run scripts and react to app changes. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Keyboard Cowboy.

  • Keyboard Maestro

    Visual macro builder for automating apps, files, and workflows on macOS.

    PaidProprietarymacOS

    Keyboard Maestro offers a visual macro builder with deep macOS triggers for complex conditional automations, but it is closed source and requires a one-time paid license.

  • BetterTouchTool

    macOS customization tool for trackpad gestures, shortcuts, and window snapping.

    PaidProprietarymacOS

    BetterTouchTool adds trackpad gestures and window snapping to shortcut customization on macOS, but it is closed source and needs a paid license after the trial.

  • Hammerspoon

    A bridge between macOS and Lua that lets a short script move windows, bind hotkeys and react to system events.

    FreeOpen sourcemacOS

    Hammerspoon is also free and MIT licensed, but automation is written as Lua scripts, reaching windows, spaces, wifi, USB and other system events.

  • Apple Shortcuts

    Apple's built-in drag-and-drop automation app for Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

    FreeProprietarymacOSiOS

    Apple Shortcuts is built into macOS, iPhone and iPad with a drag-and-drop editor, but it is closed source and weaker for complex conditional logic.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.