TypeSnap vs Typinator
Comparing TypeSnap and Typinator. Both offer one-time pricing and powerful text expansion. Here's how to decide.
TypeSnap
$17.99
one-time
The Quick Version
| TypeSnap | Typinator | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $17.99 once | €24.99 once (~$27) |
| TextExpander Import | Yes, full | Partial |
| TypeIt4Me Import | Yes, full | No |
| Distribution | Mac App Store | Direct download only |
| Cloud Sync | iCloud (optional) | Dropbox (optional) |
| Privacy Focus | Core feature | Not emphasized |
| Fill-in Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Date Math | Yes | Yes |
| Regex Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Image Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Two Different Approaches
TypeSnap and Typinator take different approaches to text expansion. Typinator is a power-user tool with advanced features like regex and image expansion. TypeSnap focuses on privacy, simplicity, and seamless migration from other apps.
Both are one-time purchases. Both are made by small, independent developers. The question is which approach fits your workflow.
What TypeSnap Does Better
1. Complete Import Support
TypeSnap imports from both TextExpander and TypeIt4Me with full macro conversion:
- All snippets and content
- Groups and folder structure
- Fill-in fields, dates, clipboard references
- Nested snippets and cursor positioning
Typinator can import some TextExpander data, but the conversion is incomplete. Many macros don’t transfer correctly, leaving you with broken snippets to fix manually.
See the complete import guide →
2. Mac App Store Distribution
TypeSnap is available on the Mac App Store, which means:
- Easy installation: One click from the App Store
- Automatic updates: Always running the latest version
- Apple’s review process: Additional security assurance
- Family Sharing: Share your purchase with family members
- Unified purchases: Manage all your apps in one place
Typinator requires downloading from their website, manually checking for updates, and managing the license separately.
3. Lower Price
At $17.99, TypeSnap is about $9 cheaper than Typinator (€24.99 ≈ $27 depending on exchange rates). For comparable core functionality, that’s a meaningful difference.
4. Privacy-First Architecture
TypeSnap was built with privacy as a core feature:
- Zero analytics
- Zero telemetry
- No account required
- Local storage only
- Optional iCloud using your own storage
Typinator doesn’t emphasize privacy in their marketing. While your data likely stays local, it’s not a highlighted feature of their product.
5. Modern, Clean Interface
TypeSnap has a fresh interface built for current macOS design standards. It’s uncluttered and focused.
What Typinator Does Better
1. Established Track Record
Typinator has been around for many years with a loyal user base. They’re developed by Ergonis Software, who also make other popular Mac utilities.
TypeSnap is new. While we’re confident in our product, Typinator has years of real-world testing.
2. Dropbox Sync
Typinator uses Dropbox for syncing, while TypeSnap uses iCloud. If you prefer Dropbox or don’t use iCloud, Typinator may be a better fit.
Feature Comparison
Core Features
| Feature | TypeSnap | Typinator |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation expansion | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fill-in fields | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dropdown menus | ✓ | ✓ |
| Date/time insertion | ✓ | ✓ |
| Date math | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clipboard content | ✓ | ✓ |
| Nested snippets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cursor positioning | ✓ | ✓ |
Advanced Features
| Feature | TypeSnap | Typinator |
|---|---|---|
| Regex triggers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Image expansion | ✓ | ✓ |
| JavaScript | ✓ (sandboxed) | ✗ |
| Application-specific snippets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Random numbers/UUID | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rich text formatting | ✓ | ✓ |
Organization & Access
| Feature | TypeSnap | Typinator |
|---|---|---|
| Snippet groups | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tags | ✓ | ✗ |
| Smart views | ✓ | ✗ |
| Quick search | ✓ | ✓ |
| Menu bar access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Per-snippet hotkeys | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clipboard history | ✓ | ✓ |
| Version history | ✓ (50 versions) | ✗ |
Import & Distribution
| Feature | TypeSnap | Typinator |
|---|---|---|
| TextExpander import | ✓ Full | Partial |
| TypeIt4Me import | ✓ Full | ✗ |
| Mac App Store | ✓ | ✗ |
| Auto-updates | ✓ | Manual |
| Family Sharing | ✓ | ✗ |
Privacy
| Feature | TypeSnap | Typinator |
|---|---|---|
| No account required | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zero analytics | ✓ | Unknown |
| Local storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| iCloud sync option | ✓ | ✗ (Dropbox) |
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose TypeSnap if:
- You’re migrating from TextExpander or TypeIt4Me
- You prefer Mac App Store distribution
- Privacy is a priority
- You want a simpler, more focused tool
- You want to save ~$9
Choose Typinator if:
- You prefer Dropbox sync over iCloud
- You value decades of proven stability
- You’re already invested in the Ergonis ecosystem
The Bottom Line
Both TypeSnap and Typinator now offer comparable advanced features including regex triggers, image expansion, and application-specific snippets.
The key differences are:
- Price: TypeSnap is ~$9 cheaper
- Distribution: TypeSnap is on the Mac App Store with auto-updates and Family Sharing
- Sync: TypeSnap uses iCloud, Typinator uses Dropbox
- Import: TypeSnap has full TextExpander and TypeIt4Me import
For most users, TypeSnap offers the same power-user features at a lower price with better privacy and easier distribution.