Free, open-source macOS menu bar toolkit bundling per-app volume, system monitoring, window switching, clipboard history and more.
zenangst/KeyboardCowboy
A macOS keyboard shortcut utility that maps hotkeys to automated workflows, app launches, scripts, system actions and window tiling.
Open-source alternative to:Keyboard Maestro
BetterTouchTool
- Stars
- 2,251
- Forks
- 39
- Open issues
- 46
- Last commit
- last month
What is it?
Keyboard Cowboy is a macOS app for binding keyboard shortcuts to actions. Users can assign a shortcut to launch applications or scripts, open files, folders and URLs, control system settings, type text, or run multi-step workflows, so common tasks can be done without leaving the keyboard.
Commands are organized into groups and workflows. Triggers can be keyboard shortcuts, including a leader key and holding a key for a set time, or application triggers that fire when an app is opened, closed, or activated. Commands include window navigation and tiling, menu bar item selection, and Shortcuts integration.
The app requires macOS 13.0 or later. It stores its data locally and is disabled while a password field or secure input mode is active. The project is built with Tuist and Xcode.
Key features
- 01Bind keyboard shortcuts to app launches, scripts, URLs, files and folders.
- 02Build sequential or concurrent multi-step workflows.
- 03Trigger actions when an application is opened, closed or activated.
- 04Support leader keys and holding a key for a set duration.
- 05Control window navigation and tiling, and select menu bar items.
- 06Store data locally and disable itself in secure input fields.
Use cases
- Launching frequently used apps or scripts with a single key press.
- Arranging windows on a Mac with keyboard-only controls.
- Running an app-specific setup automatically when a program becomes active.
- Automating repetitive text entry or multi-step tasks on macOS.
Quick start
- 1
Download the app from the releases page
- 2
Install tuist with Homebrew
brew install tuist - 3
Install project dependencies
tuist install - 4
Generate the Xcode project
tuist generate
Things to know
- Requires macOS 13.0 or later and works only on macOS.
- The README does not state a clear open-source license, so check the license terms before reuse.
Topics
FAQ
- What is KeyboardCowboy?
- A macOS keyboard shortcut utility that maps hotkeys to automated workflows, app launches, scripts, system actions and window tiling. Keyboard Cowboy is a macOS app for binding keyboard shortcuts to actions. Users can assign a shortcut to launch applications or scripts, open files, folders and URLs, control system settings, type text, or run multi-step workflows, so common tasks can be done without leaving the keyboard.
- Is KeyboardCowboy free to use? What license does it have?
- KeyboardCowboy is open source under the Other license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
- Is KeyboardCowboy still maintained?
- Updated within 6 months. The last commit to KeyboardCowboy was on Sep 12, 2026.
- What can I use KeyboardCowboy for?
- Launching frequently used apps or scripts with a single key press. Arranging windows on a Mac with keyboard-only controls. Running an app-specific setup automatically when a program becomes active. Automating repetitive text entry or multi-step tasks on macOS.
- How do I install KeyboardCowboy?
- Download the app from the releases page Install tuist with Homebrew: brew install tuist Install project dependencies: tuist install Generate the Xcode project: tuist generate
- Where can I get KeyboardCowboy?
- The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/zenangst/KeyboardCowboy
Summary generated by AI from the project's README. GitHub stats refresh daily.
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