espanso

Start Espanso

$ espanso start

$ espanso stop

$ espanso restart

$ espanso edit

$ espanso package search [keyword]

$ espanso package install [package_name]

$ espanso status

espanso command [options]

Espanso is a cross-platform text expander that replaces typed abbreviations with predefined text snippets. It runs in the background detecting trigger strings and expanding them system-wide.
Configuration files define matches between triggers and replacements. Replacements can include static text, dynamic content (dates, clipboard), or scripts. Packages add pre-configured expansions.
Espanso works across all applications, handling common typing patterns, boilerplate text, and frequently used phrases.

COMMAND

Operation: start, stop, restart, edit, package, etc.

Start Espanso service.

Stop service.

Restart service.

Open config in editor.

Search packages.

Install package.

Show service status.

Display help information.

~/.config/espanso/config/default.yml

Main configuration file controlling behavior like toggle key, backend preferences, and global settings.

Default match file defining triggers and replacements. Additional match files can be created to organize expansions.

Requires background service. Needs accessibility permissions on macOS. Some applications may not support input injection. Trigger conflicts possible.

Espanso was created by Federico Terzi as an open-source, cross-platform alternative to commercial text expanders. Written in Rust, it emphasizes privacy and performance.

xdotool(1), autokey(1)