System-wide snippet expansion
Retext works in any macOS app where you can type, including email, Slack, VS Code, and browsers. A typed trigger is replaced immediately with the saved snippet.
Retext
Retext is a macOS text expansion app that turns short triggers into full snippets as you type. It helps people reuse common phrases, code, links, and responses without retyping them.
Native text expansion for macOS
Retext expands short triggers into longer snippets anywhere you can type on a Mac. It is meant for repetitive text entry, with support for common phrases, signatures, addresses, code snippets, and other saved content.
The app stays in the background, uses a semicolon trigger, and offers a clean native interface for organizing snippets. It also includes AI features for generating snippet text and prompt variations when you need help drafting content.
Features
Semicolon triggers
Snippets expand when you type a semicolon followed by your shortcut, such as `;addr`. The trigger character is fixed in the current version, which keeps the workflow simple and predictable.
Tag-based organization
You can group snippets with tags so related entries stay easier to find and manage, whether you organize by project, client, or category.
Native macOS editor
Retext is built in Swift and presented as a lightweight native app rather than an Electron-based interface. The product emphasizes a fast, simple editing experience.
AI-generated snippets
You can generate snippet text from a title and optional prompt, then save the result for later use. Free users get one complimentary AI generation, while Pro users get unlimited generations.
Shared team libraries
Team plans let members share snippets in a real-time synced library with role-based permissions, so teams can standardize responses and internal text.
Common use cases
Reusing repetitive personal text
Save addresses, signatures, greetings, and other phrases you type often, then expand them instantly instead of retyping them each time.
Working faster across everyday apps
Use the same snippets in email clients, chat tools, code editors, and browsers without switching workflows or opening a separate paste library.
Drafting prompt variations and AI inputs
Generate snippet text or prompt variations with AI, then reuse the improved version as a typed shortcut for future work.
Standardizing team responses
Share a common snippet library across a team so support replies, internal notes, and recurring text stay consistent.
Keeping technical snippets handy
Store code fragments, boilerplate, and commands as shortcuts that can be expanded while you work in development tools.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Works system-wide across macOS apps.
- Expands snippets immediately without a popup.
- Uses local snippet storage on the Mac.
- Includes AI-assisted snippet generation.
- Offers shared libraries and role-based permissions for teams.
Cons
- Requires macOS 15 or later.
- Uses a semicolon trigger character rather than user-defined triggers.
- AI generation sends the prompt to Anthropic's API.
- Pricing details on the pricing page were not available from the source set.
FAQ
Does Retext work in every app on Mac?
Yes. It runs in the background and works system-wide in any app where you can type, including email, Slack, VS Code, and browsers.
Where are snippets stored?
Snippets are stored locally on your Mac. The product states that it does not send snippet data anywhere, except when you use AI generation.
What does Retext use for expanding snippets?
Retext uses a semicolon trigger. For example, typing `;addr` expands the saved snippet.
Can teams use Retext together?
Yes. The site describes team plans with shared snippet libraries, real-time sync, and role-based permissions.
What platforms does Retext support?
Retext is a macOS app and requires macOS 15 or later.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Productivity
- Platform
- macOS
- Core function
- Text snippet expansion
- Trigger style
- Semicolon shortcuts
- Primary users
- People who type repetitive text
- Source domain
- retext.io
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