Keyboard Maestro 3.0

Major update to one of my very favorite Mac utilities, by Peter N Lewis and Stairways Software. Among other features, Keyboard Maestro lets you record macros — sequences of key presses, mouse clicks, etc. — and then invoke them with hotkey shortcuts. It’s also a terrific scripting utility. The change list for version 3.0 is long, but my favorite aspects are the re-organized user interface (simpler by far) and improved scripting support (including support for Unix shell scripts). Keyboard Maestro also now has its own built-in web server, which allows you to execute Keyboard Maestro macros on your Mac remotely.

The whole thing is exquisitely documented, and introductory examples abound. Upgrades from version 2 cost $18, and new licenses cost $36 — but DF readers can save 25 percent ($9 on new licenses) through the end of April using coupon code “DARINGFIREBALL2”.

★ Tuesday, 8 April 2008