5 Best Text Expander Tools for Chrome, Windows & Mac

Do you copy and paste things all day?

Typing the same sentences, links, or replies over and over?

That gets tiring and wastes a lot of time.

Luckily, there’s a faster way to work: text expander tools. Some work right inside your Chrome browser, while others run on Windows, macOS, or Linux.

These apps let you create shortcuts for phrases you use often.

Type a few letters, and they turn into full sentences, links, or templates. Some even remember everything you’ve copied, so you never lose important text again.

In this article, we’ll cover the best text expander tools for Chrome and desktop, to help you work faster and avoid repetitive typing.

TL;DR: 5 Chrome & Desktop Text Expander Tools at a Glance

  • Clipboard History Pro (Chrome-first, cross-platform): Combines unlimited clipboard history with fast text expansion, smart search, folders, and mobile sync, perfect for browser-based workflows on any device.
  • TextExpander (Chrome + Windows/macOS/iOS): Great for teams who need advanced templates and cross-platform syncing, but no clipboard history and no free version.
  • Espanso (Windows/macOS/Linux): A free tool for developers who want offline use and full control, but no Chrome support or visual UI.
  • ClipClip (Windows only): A local clipboard and snippet manager with basic expansion features, ideal for desktop workflows, not web-based.
  • Raycast (macOS only): A fast launcher and text expander for Mac power users, great for automation, but not available on Chrome or mobile.

5 Best Text Expander Tools for Chrome, Windows & Mac

These tools let you create snippets and insert them by typing a quick shortcut, so you stop doing the same things over and over.

From recruiting messages to sales outreach and even writing in Google Docs, the right tool can help you expand text, reuse your templates, and stay focused.

Let’s explore the best options out there, starting with one of our favorites.

1. Clipboard History Pro

Clipboard History Pro is more than just a clipboard manager, it’s also a smart text expander that lives right inside your Chrome browser.

You can create shortcuts (like /email or :sig) and use them to instantly insert full messages, templates, or replies, right on any website. It works great for things like email signatures, support responses, or frequently used phrases.

You don’t need to open another app. Just start typing your shortcut, and the full text appears.

It’s simple to set up: just edit a snippet, assign a shortcut, and use it anywhere you’d normally type—like in Google Docs, Gmail, or other web forms.

Key Features:

  • Text expansion: Turn shortcuts into full sentences, replies, or blocks of text
  • Keyboard shortcuts: Use quick key combos like Shift+Alt+1 to paste saved items instantly
  • Smart snippet search: Find and insert saved phrases by typing a keyword
  • Favorites and folders: Organize your most-used snippets for quick access
  • Clipboard widget: Access your snippets and clipboard from any web page
  • Floating mode: Keep the tool in a separate window, great for multitasking
  • Password lock: Protect your snippets and history with a secure lock

Pricing:

  • Free Plan: Includes 3 text snippets, favorites, and basic clipboard history
  • Power Users Plan: $5/month (billed annually) – unlocks unlimited text expansion, advanced shortcuts, cloud sync, and backups
  • Enterprise Plan: $16/month (billed annually) – adds team snippet sharing, security controls, and centralized management

Works with:

  • Google Chrome (extension)
  • Windows, macOS, ChromeOS
  • Mobile (via Chrome sync)

Add Clipboard History Pro to Chrome for free.

2. TextExpander

TextExpander is another text expander app that works on Chrome, Mac, Windows, and more. It’s known for helping teams use the same snippets and templates across devices and platforms.

You can create text snippets, set custom shortcuts, and expand them into full emails, messages, or docs with just a few keystrokes.

It's especially useful for teams that send common customer responses, sales outreach, or recruiting messages every day.

Key Features:

  • Shared snippets: Let your whole team use the same text templates
  • Advanced fill-ins: Add drop-downs and blanks to customize replies
  • App integrations: Works in Google Docs, Gmail, and other favorite apps
  • Cloud sync: Keep your snippets updated across all devices
  • Snippet suggestions: Learn what text you repeat and turn it into shortcuts

Pricing:

There is no free plan for Textexpander.

  • Individual Plan: Starts at $4.16/month (billed annually)
  • Business Plan: $10.41/user/month
  • Growth Plan: $13.54/user/month
  • Enterprise Plan with a custom price.

Works with:

  • Google Chrome
  • Windows, macOS, iOS
  • No Android app

3. Espanso

Espanso is an open-source text expander that works across your whole system, so it’s not just for Chrome, but for any app on Windows, macOS, or Linux.

It’s built for speed and flexibility. You can set custom letter combinations to insert text snippets, templates, or even scripts, without lifting your hands off the keyboard.

Espanso doesn’t have a user interface like most Chrome extensions, but it’s perfect if you like working with plain text and want full control.

Key Features:

  • Free and open-source: No cost, no ads, no limits
  • System-wide use: Works across all your apps, not just in your browser
  • Snippet expansion: Use shortcuts to insert text, dates, commands, and more
  • Custom scripts: Great for developers who want to automate workflows
  • Privacy-first: No cloud storage or data tracking

Pricing:

  • Free Plan, no Pro version, just install and use

Works with:

  • Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • No Chrome extension
  • No mobile version

4. ClipClip

ClipClip is a handy clipboard manager and basic text expander made for Windows users. It saves everything you copy, so you can reuse old text, links, or files anytime.

You can also create snippets(like email replies or templates), and insert them into documents with just a few keystrokes.

While it’s not a Chrome extension, it’s a great option if you mostly work in desktop apps like Word, Outlook, or Excel.

Key Features:

  • Clipboard history: Store and reuse copied items like text, images, or files
  • Custom snippets: Save and insert repetitive text quickly
  • Organize with folders: Keep snippets and templates easy to access
  • Translate on the fly: Built-in translation tool for multi-language work
  • Quick paste shortcuts: Insert saved items with custom hotkeys

Pricing:

  • Free version available

Works with:

  • Windows only
  • Not available on Chrome or Mac
  • No mobile version

5. Raycast

Raycast is a fast, keyboard-driven tool for macOS that helps you do more, without ever leaving the keyboard.

It’s not just a text expander, it’s a full productivity app with tools for launching apps, running scripts, managing your clipboard, and more.

It includes a text expansion feature, so you can insert snippets and replies with just a few keystrokes. It’s great for developers, writers, and anyone who wants to move faster across their favorite apps.

Key Features:

  • Snippets and text expansion: Type short commands to insert full text
  • Clipboard manager: Access your copied items easily and reuse them
  • Command launcher: Open apps, run scripts, or search the web
  • Integrations: Works with tools like Jira, GitHub, Notion, and Google Calendar
  • Developer-friendly: Build custom extensions for your own workflow

Pricing:

  • Free Plan for personal use
  • Raycost Pro: $10/month
  • Pro + Advanced AI: $20/month

Works with:

  • macOS only
  • Not available on Chrome, Windows, or mobile

Start Expanding Text Faster Right Inside Chrome

If you type the same things every day or copy and paste a lot, Clipboard History Pro is made for you.

It lets you create text shortcuts, reuse anything you've copied, and expand full messages right in your browser.

No desktop install. No switching apps. Just type and go.

It works in Gmail, Google Docs, forms, or anywhere you write online. Your snippets and clipboard history sync across devices, even on mobile.

Add Clipboard History Pro to Chrome for free.

FAQs: Text Expander Tools

What is a text expander tool?

A text expander lets you turn short shortcuts into full phrases, templates, or replies. Whether it’s a desktop app or a Chrome extension, it helps you avoid repetitive typing and work faster with just a few keystrokes.

Can I use these tools in Google Docs or Gmail?

Yes! Many of the tools listed, especially Clipboard History Pro and TextExpander, work directly in web apps like Gmail, Google Docs, and other websites. You can insert saved snippets and templates without switching tabs or tools.

Is Clipboard History Pro free?

Yes, there’s a free version that includes all the basics. You can also upgrade to the Pro version to unlock syncing across multiple devices, including mobile, plus advanced features like backups and folder organization.