Compare software

Shortcat vs Paletro: catalog facts
Shortcat	Paletro
Best for: Keyboard-driven Mac users who want to control apps without a mouse	Best for: Keyboard users who want a command palette in every Mac app
Free Downloadable from the website or Homebrew; no price is listed on the homepage.	Paid $6.99 with a 14-day free trial.
macOS	macOS
Clicks interface elements by typing their label Searches window titles to switch windows All 4 strengths for Shortcat Clicks interface elements by typing their label Searches window titles to switch windows Works in major browsers and most Electron apps Native builds for Apple Silicon and Intel	Works with any app that has a menu bar Fuzzy search of menu commands All 4 strengths for Paletro Works with any app that has a menu bar Fuzzy search of menu commands Shows the app's own shortcuts Per-app and per-item exclusion rules
macOS 13 or later only Still at a 0.x version All 3 limitations for Shortcat macOS 13 or later only Still at a 0.x version Depends on apps exposing accessible interface elements	macOS only Needs accessibility permission All 3 limitations for Paletro macOS only Needs accessibility permission Version 1.0 with infrequent visible updates
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Offline features available	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Shortcat shortcat.app Catalog checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Paletro appmakes.io/paletro Catalog checked October 1, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.