Automator vs Keyboard Maestro : Which is Better?

Automator icon

Automator

Automator is an application that implements point-and-click (or drag and drop) creation of workflows for automating repetitive tasks into batches for quicker alteration, thus saving time and effort over human intervention to manually change each file separately. Developed by Apple

License: Commercial

Categories: Office & Productivity

Apps available for Mac OS X

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Keyboard Maestro icon

Keyboard Maestro

Keyboard Maestro is a closed-source commercial macOS-based application that allows automation of routine functions, such as navigating running applications, opening documents, typing text, expanding abbreviations, and controlling web applications.

License: Commercial

Categories: Office & Productivity OS & Utilities

Apps available for Mac OS X

Automator VS Keyboard Maestro

Automator is a built-in macOS tool ideal for simple automation tasks, while Keyboard Maestro offers a more powerful and flexible solution for advanced users looking to create complex workflows and macros. The choice between them largely depends on the user's needs for complexity and customization.

Automator

Pros:

  • Integrated into macOS without additional cost
  • Simplifies repetitive tasks with a user-friendly interface
  • Wide range of actions available for automation
  • Supports AppleScript for advanced users
  • Can create services and workflows for quick access

Cons:

  • Limited to the macOS ecosystem
  • Less flexibility for complex automations
  • Steeper learning curve for advanced features

Keyboard Maestro

Pros:

  • Highly customizable with extensive scripting capabilities
  • Supports complex workflows and macros
  • User-friendly interface with a visual editor
  • Large community and resources for support
  • Ability to trigger actions based on various events

Cons:

  • Paid application with a one-time purchase cost
  • Can be overwhelming for beginners due to its complexity
  • Some features may be overkill for simple tasks

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