The Complete Guide to Migrating from TextExpander

Switching from TextExpander? We’ve got you covered. This guide walks through every step of importing your snippets into TypeSnap.

What Gets Imported

TypeSnap imports:

• ✅ All your snippets and their content
• ✅ Groups/folders (preserved as TypeSnap groups)
• ✅ Fill-in fields (text, dropdown, checkbox)
• ✅ Date and time macros
• ✅ Clipboard insertion
• ✅ Nested snippet references
• ✅ Cursor positioning
• ✅ Key simulations (Tab, Return)

What Changes

A few things are handled differently:

• AppleScript snippets → Converted to plain text (security reasons)
• Shell scripts → Converted to plain text
• JavaScript → Converted to TypeSnap JavaScript (slightly different API)

You’ll see a clear report showing what was converted and what to review.

Step 1: Export from TextExpander

Option A: Export from the Web App (Recommended)

1. Go to app.textexpander.com
2. Click Settings → Import/Export
3. Click Export All Snippets
4. Download the .csv file

Option B: Export from the Mac App

1. Open TextExpander
2. Select a group in the sidebar
3. Click File → Save a Copy of Group…
4. Save the .textexpander file
5. Repeat for each group

Option C: Find Your Library File

Your entire TextExpander library is stored at:

~/Library/Application Support/TextExpander/Settings.textexpander

Step 2: Import into TypeSnap

1. Open TypeSnap
2. Click File → Import → From TextExpander
3. Drag your export file into the window (or click to browse)
4. Review the import preview:
   • Green ✓ = Ready to import
   • Yellow ⚠️ = Imported with changes (macro converted)
   • Red ✗ = Cannot import (review manually)
5. Click Import

That’s it. Your snippets are now in TypeSnap.

Macro Conversion Reference

Here’s how TextExpander macros map to TypeSnap syntax:

After Import

Once imported, we recommend:

1. Test a few key snippets - Make sure they expand correctly
2. Review any warnings - Check snippets that were converted
3. Quit TextExpander - You don’t need it running anymore
4. Optionally uninstall - But keep your export file as a backup

Need Help?

Having trouble with import? Contact support and we’ll help you get everything moved over.

Download TypeSnap →