Keyboard Maestro review
A deep Mac automation tool for complex keyboard workflows, not dedicated mouse tuning.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Keyboard Maestro is macOS automation software from Stairways Software for people who want to create and run detailed macros across applications, windows, websites, files, text, images, and scheduled workflows. It suits Mac users building complex keyboard workflows, especially those who need more than simple hot-key remapping. Macro groups can be limited to specific applications or windows, while triggers include hot keys, typed strings, application events, time, devices, URLs, and other system events.
The published plan is straightforward: Keyboard Maestro 11 costs $36 USD as a one-time, per-user license. That license covers version 11 indefinitely and allows use on up to five Macs. There is no free plan. The paid product includes the full macro environment, including clipboard history, unlimited named clipboards, application and window controls, text, image, file, and web automation actions, plus AppleScript, shell script, and JavaScript execution. For buyers who prefer a single purchase over recurring billing, the plan structure is easy to understand.
Its strongest fit is keyboard-centered Mac automation rather than hardware customization. Integrations and ecosystem connections include Safari, Google Chrome, Dropbox or other file-sharing systems, AppleScript, shell scripts, JavaScript, Stream Deck, and MIDI. The macro debugger adds a useful control point for workflows that span multiple actions. However, Keyboard Maestro should not be the first choice for buyers seeking dedicated mouse configuration, pointer sensitivity, polling-rate controls, device memory, or hardware profile slots. Choose it for broad, scriptable Mac workflows; choose a more hardware-focused tool for mouse and peripheral tuning.
Keyboard Maestro pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports application- and window-specific macro groups
- Combines many triggers with scripts, clipboard tools, and automation actions
- Includes macro debugging and Stream Deck control
- Where it doesn't
- Runs on macOS only
- Paid product with a $36 one-time license
- Not focused on dedicated mouse hardware configuration
Keyboard Maestro fact sheet, pricing and score →
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