TypeSnap vs aText
Comparing TypeSnap and aText. Both offer affordable text expansion, but they take very different approaches. Here's how to choose.
TypeSnap
$17.99
one-time
The Quick Version
| TypeSnap | aText | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $17.99 once | $4.99 once |
| TextExpander Import | Yes, full | Limited |
| TypeIt4Me Import | Yes, full | No |
| Fill-in Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Date Math | Yes | Yes |
| iOS Companion | No | Yes |
| Privacy Focus | Core feature | Basic |
| Active Development | Yes (2026) | Sporadic |
| Modern Interface | Yes | Dated |
The Price Question
Let’s address the obvious: aText costs $4.99. TypeSnap costs $17.99. That’s a $13 difference.
If price is your only consideration, aText wins. Full stop.
But here’s what that $13 gets you with TypeSnap:
What TypeSnap Does Better
1. Complete TextExpander and TypeIt4Me Import
aText has a basic TextExpander import, but it doesn’t convert macros properly. Fill-ins, date math, nested snippets, and cursor positioning often break or don’t transfer at all.
TypeSnap imports everything from both TextExpander and TypeIt4Me:
- ✅ All snippets and content
- ✅ Groups and folder structure
- ✅ Fill-in fields (text, dropdowns, checkboxes)
- ✅ Date and time macros with calculations
- ✅ Clipboard references
- ✅ Nested snippet references
- ✅ Cursor positioning
- ✅ Key simulations
If you’re switching from TextExpander or TypeIt4Me, TypeSnap makes the transition seamless. With aText, you’ll spend hours fixing broken snippets.
See the complete import guide →
2. Privacy-First Architecture
TypeSnap was built from day one with privacy as a core feature:
- Zero analytics: We don’t track anything
- Zero telemetry: No data leaves your Mac
- No account required: No email, no password, no verification
- Local storage: Standard JSON files you can read and backup
- Optional iCloud: Your storage, not ours
aText doesn’t emphasize privacy in the same way. While your data probably stays local, it’s not a highlighted feature.
3. Modern, Maintained Software
TypeSnap is actively developed with a modern codebase built for current macOS. The interface follows Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines and feels native.
aText’s development has been sporadic. The interface shows its age, and updates come infrequently. When macOS changes how text input works (which happens), you want an app that responds quickly.
4. Better Fill-in Support
TypeSnap’s fill-in system is more robust:
- Single-line text inputs
- Multi-line text areas
- Dropdown menus with predefined options
- Checkboxes for optional sections
- Default values
- Validation
aText has fill-ins, but the implementation is more limited.
5. Richer Date and Time Features
TypeSnap supports comprehensive date math:
{{date+7d}}- One week from today{{date-1m}}- One month ago{{date:MMMM D, YYYY}}- Custom formatting{{time+2h}}- Two hours from now
aText has date insertion but less flexible calculation options.
What aText Does Better
1. Significantly Lower Price
$4.99 vs $17.99. There’s no getting around it -aText is much cheaper. If you’re just starting out or have simple needs, that matters.
2. iOS Companion App
aText has an iOS app that syncs with the Mac version. If you need text expansion on your iPhone or iPad, aText offers that.
TypeSnap is Mac-only. We believe in doing one thing well rather than spreading across platforms.
3. Proven and Simple
aText has been around for years. It does basic text expansion well. If you just need to type ;email and have your email address appear, aText handles that fine.
4. Good Enough for Basic Use
For users who just need simple abbreviation expansion without fill-ins, dates, or complex features, aText’s limitations don’t matter. The basics work.
Feature Comparison
Core Features
| Feature | TypeSnap | aText |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation expansion | ✓ | ✓ |
| Case sensitivity options | ✓ | ✓ |
| Works in all apps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Groups/folders | ✓ | ✓ |
Dynamic Content
| Feature | TypeSnap | aText |
|---|---|---|
| Fill-in text fields | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dropdown menus | ✓ | ✓ (limited) |
| Optional sections | ✓ | ✗ |
| Date/time insertion | ✓ | ✓ |
| Date math (+7 days, etc.) | ✓ | Limited |
| Clipboard content | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cursor positioning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Nested snippets | ✓ | ✗ |
| Random numbers/UUID | ✓ | ✗ |
| Rich text formatting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Regex triggers | ✓ | ✗ |
| Image expansion | ✓ | ✗ |
| App-specific snippets | ✓ | ✗ |
| JavaScript | ✓ | ✗ |
Organization & Access
| Feature | TypeSnap | aText |
|---|---|---|
| Snippet groups | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tags | ✓ | ✗ |
| Smart views | ✓ | ✗ |
| Quick search | ✓ | ✓ |
| Menu bar access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Per-snippet hotkeys | ✓ | ✗ |
| Clipboard history | ✓ | ✗ |
| Version history | ✓ (50 versions) | ✗ |
Import & Export
| Feature | TypeSnap | aText |
|---|---|---|
| TextExpander import | ✓ Full | Limited |
| TypeIt4Me import | ✓ Full | ✗ |
| CSV import | ✓ | ✓ |
| Data export | ✓ JSON | ✓ |
Platform & Privacy
| Feature | TypeSnap | aText |
|---|---|---|
| Mac App Store | ✓ | ✓ |
| iOS app | ✗ | ✓ |
| No account required | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zero analytics | ✓ | Unknown |
| iCloud sync | ✓ | ✓ |
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose TypeSnap if:
- You’re migrating from TextExpander or TypeIt4Me
- You use fill-ins, date math, or nested snippets
- Privacy is important to you
- You want actively maintained software
- You value a polished, modern experience
Choose aText if:
- Price is your primary concern
- You only need basic abbreviation expansion
- You need iOS text expansion
- You don’t have existing snippets to import
- Your needs are simple and unlikely to grow
The Bottom Line
aText is a good budget option for simple text expansion. At $4.99, it’s hard to argue with the value for basic use.
TypeSnap costs $13 more but delivers:
- Seamless migration from TextExpander or TypeIt4Me
- More robust fill-ins and date features
- Privacy-first design
- Active development and modern interface
If you have existing snippets to migrate, or if you use advanced features like fill-ins and date math, TypeSnap is worth the extra investment.
If you’re starting fresh with simple needs and budget is tight, aText works fine for the basics.