Keysmith for Windows: KeyRoutines builds instead of records
Keysmith is a Mac-only app, so it won't run on Windows. KeyRoutines is a Windows app for the same kind of everyday automation, but it works differently: Keysmith creates macros by recording what you do, while KeyRoutines has you build routines from blocks such as Open app, Press keys and Type text. KeyRoutines 1.0 has no recorder.
Keysmith → KeyRoutines
| In Keysmith | In KeyRoutines |
|---|---|
| Macros | Routines: a trigger, then readable steps you can edit one by one. |
| Recording what you do | No recorder in 1.0. You pick each step from the block palette instead. |
| Keyboard shortcut to run a macro | Hotkey trigger; routines can also run from the tray, the Run-by-name palette or a Stream Deck.HotkeyRun manually |
| Typing text | Type text, or Send text to app (Pro) for an app that isn't in front.Type textSend text to app |
| Pressing keys | Press keys, with a target app and background delivery for desktop apps.Press keys |
| Clicking | Mouse clicks at a point in a window or monitor; Click in app (Pro) for apps that aren't in front.MouseClick in app |
| Opening apps and web pages | Open app, which can wait until the app is ready; Open URLs; Web search.Open appApp is readyOpen URLsWeb search |
| Waiting between steps | Delay for a fixed time, or Wait until for a condition such as a window being open.DelayWindow exists |
| Clipboard | Get clipboard and Set clipboard, plus a Clipboard changed trigger.Get clipboardSet clipboardClipboard changed |
| Asking before continuing | Ask for input, Ask Yes or No, Choose from a list.Ask for inputAsk Yes or NoChoose from a list |
What's different
- Keysmith's main idea is recording: do the task once and get a macro. KeyRoutines doesn't record in 1.0, so setting up takes a little longer, but steps target apps and windows by name rather than by where you clicked.
- Keysmith is designed to automate inside web pages and Mac apps. KeyRoutines can open pages and type or press keys in the browser, but it doesn't read or click elements on a web page.
- KeyRoutines adds triggers Keysmith isn't built around: apps starting, devices and headsets connecting, files arriving, Wi-Fi, power and schedules.
- Keysmith has a free tier and a paid plan. KeyRoutines is free, with an optional one-time Pro upgrade.
Moving over
- 1
Write the macro out as steps
Replay your Keysmith macro slowly and note each thing it does: open this, type that, press Enter, wait.
- 2
Use app and window steps where you can
Instead of clicking an app icon, use Open app. Instead of clicking a window, use Focus window. These keep working when things move.
- 3
Use keys before clicks
Most apps have keyboard shortcuts; Press keys is more reliable than clicking a position. Keep Mouse steps for what has no shortcut.
- 4
Test and check Run history
Run the routine and open Run history to see each step's result and where it stopped.
Questions
- Is there a Keysmith for Windows?
- No. Keysmith is built for macOS only.
- Does KeyRoutines have a recorder?
- Not in version 1.0. You build routines from blocks; Press keys, Type text and Mouse steps cover the input you'd otherwise record.
- Can KeyRoutines automate websites?
- Partly. It can open pages, run web searches and type or press keys in the browser, and Pro can call web APIs with HTTP requests. It doesn't read or click page elements.
- Can I import Keysmith macros?
- No. You rebuild them as routines.
Keysmith is a trademark of its owner; KeyRoutines is not affiliated with or endorsed by Keysmith or its developer.
Coming from somewhere else?
Try KeyRoutines instead of Keysmith
Free from the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 and 10. Pro is a one-time upgrade.