Download
Shorthand for Mac
A disk image, signed with a Developer ID and notarized by Apple.
Also on GitHub
Every version, with release notes and the update feed, is on the releases page.
See what’s new in each version.
Installing
1
Open the disk image
Open Shorthand.dmg from your Downloads folder.
2
Drag Shorthand to Applications
Then open it from Applications. From there, it can update itself and start at login.
3
Accept the license agreement
Shorthand is provided “as is.” Nothing starts until you agree. You can read it again under Help ▸ License Agreement.
4
Allow Accessibility access
Click Grant…, then turn on Shorthand in System Settings ▸ Privacy & Security ▸ Accessibility. The red ✕ turns into a green check mark.
5
Import, or start fresh
Import from TextExpander, or try the two starter snippets: type ddate or ttime and a space.
Updates install themselves
Shorthand checks once a day. Updates are signed, and Shorthand checks the signature before installing. Check by hand with Shorthand ▸ Check for Updates….
Why Accessibility?
macOS only lets an app see typing in other apps with this permission. Shorthand uses it to notice abbreviations and nothing else. Your typing is never stored or sent.
Uninstalling
Settings ▸ General ▸ Uninstall Shorthand… removes the app, its login item, and its permissions. You choose whether to keep your snippets.
Something not working?
Most problems come down to a permission that needs to be turned off and on again. The troubleshooting guide walks through each one.
