The Complete Guide to Migrating from TextExpander
Step-by-step instructions for importing all your TextExpander snippets into TypeSnap, including macro conversion details.
Switching from TextExpander? I’ve got you covered. This guide walks through every step of importing your snippets into TypeSnap.
What Gets Imported
TypeSnap imports:
- ✅ All your snippets and their content
- ✅ Groups/folders (preserved as TypeSnap groups)
- ✅ Fill-in fields (text, dropdown, checkbox)
- ✅ Date and time macros
- ✅ Clipboard insertion
- ✅ Nested snippet references
- ✅ Cursor positioning
- ✅ Key simulations (Tab, Return)
What Changes
A few things are handled differently:
- AppleScript snippets → Converted to plain text (security reasons)
- Shell scripts → Converted to plain text
- JavaScript → Converted to TypeSnap JavaScript (slightly different API)
You’ll see a clear report showing what was converted and what to review.
Step 1: Export from TextExpander
Option A: Export from the Web App (Recommended)
- Go to app.textexpander.com
- Click Settings → Import/Export
- Click Export All Snippets
- Download the
.csvfile
Option B: Export from the Mac App
- Open TextExpander
- Select a group in the sidebar
- Click File → Save a Copy of Group…
- Save the
.textexpanderfile - Repeat for each group
Option C: Find Your Library File
Your entire TextExpander library is stored at:
~/Library/Application Support/TextExpander/Settings.textexpander
Step 2: Import into TypeSnap
- Open TypeSnap
- Open File → Import Snippets and select TextExpander as the source
- Click Choose File and select your export
- Review the preview’s Warnings and Errors sections.
- Click Import
That’s it. Your snippets are now in TypeSnap.
Macro Conversion Reference
Here’s how TextExpander macros map to TypeSnap syntax:
| TextExpander | TypeSnap |
|---|---|
%filltext:name=Name% |
{{input:Name}} |
%fillpopup:name=Day:Mon:Tue:Wed% |
{{select:Day:Mon,Tue,Wed}} |
%fillpart:name=Sig%...%fillpartend% |
{{optional:Sig}}...{{/optional}} |
%clipboard |
{{clipboard}} |
%Y-%m-%d |
{{date:yyyy-MM-dd}} |
%@+7D% |
{{date+7d}} |
| `% | ` |
%key:tab% |
{{key:tab}} |
%snippet:abbr% |
{{snippet:abbr}} |
After Import
Once imported, we recommend:
- Test a few key snippets - Make sure they expand correctly
- Review any warnings - Check snippets that were converted
- Quit TextExpander - You don’t need it running anymore
- Optionally uninstall - But keep your export file as a backup
Need Help?
Having trouble with import? Contact support and I’ll help you get everything moved over.
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