Why We Built TypeSnap
The story behind TypeSnap: why we believe text expansion should be private, affordable, and yours to keep.
In 2016, TextExpander switched to a subscription model. Overnight, a tool people had paid $40 for became a $40/year service. Worse, it now required an account and stored your snippets on their servers.
The backlash was immediate and intense. Users weren’t just upset about the price -they were upset about losing control of their data.
We were some of those users.
The Breaking Point
For years, we tolerated the subscription. After all, what choice did we have? Our snippets were trapped. Migration seemed impossible.
But then we started asking uncomfortable questions:
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Why does a typing tool need to phone home? Our snippets contain sensitive information -email templates with client names, code snippets, addresses. Why should that live on someone else’s server?
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Why are we paying rent on software? TextExpander’s core functionality hasn’t fundamentally changed in years. Why does it require ongoing payments?
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Why is migration so hard? If our data is ours, why can’t we easily take it somewhere else?
A Different Philosophy
TypeSnap is built on three principles:
1. Your Data Stays Yours
Your snippets never leave your Mac. We have no servers. We have no accounts. We have no ability to see what you type, even if we wanted to.
If you choose to sync via iCloud, that’s your iCloud storage -not ours.
2. Pay Once, Own Forever
$17.99. That’s it. No subscription. No “pro” tier. No annual renewal.
We believe productivity tools should be assets, not liabilities. When you buy TypeSnap, you own it. Updates are free forever.
3. Migration Should Be Easy
We built the most complete TextExpander import system available. Drag in your export file, and we’ll convert your snippets, macros, and fill-ins automatically. 60 seconds, and you’re free.
The Road Ahead
TypeSnap is just the beginning. We’re building a portfolio of privacy-first Mac utilities -tools that respect your data and your wallet.
If that resonates with you, we’d love to have you along for the ride.