Why I Built TypeSnap
The story behind TypeSnap: why I believe text expansion should be private, affordable, and yours to keep.
In 2016, TextExpander switched to a subscription model. Overnight, a tool people had paid $40 for became a $40/year service. Worse, it now required an account and stored your snippets on their servers.
The backlash was immediate and intense. Users weren’t just upset about the price -they were upset about losing control of their data.
I was one of those users.
The Breaking Point
For years, I tolerated the subscription. After all, what choice did I have? My snippets were trapped. Migration seemed impossible.
But then I started asking uncomfortable questions:
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Why does a typing tool need to phone home? My snippets contain sensitive information - email templates with client names, code snippets, addresses. Why should that live on someone else’s server?
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Why am I paying rent on software? TextExpander’s core functionality hasn’t fundamentally changed in years. Why does it require ongoing payments?
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Why is migration so hard? If my data is mine, why can’t I easily take it somewhere else?
A Different Philosophy
TypeSnap is built on three principles:
1. Your Data Stays Yours
Your snippet library is stored locally by default. Expansion runs on your Mac; optional iCloud sync sends snippets to your private CloudKit database. Licensing and updates use network services. See the privacy policy for details.
If you choose to sync via iCloud, that’s your iCloud storage - not mine.
2. Pay Once, Own Forever
$17.99. That’s it. No subscription. No “pro” tier. No annual renewal.
I believe productivity tools should be assets, not liabilities. When you buy TypeSnap, you own it. Updates are free forever.
3. Migration Should Be Easy
TypeSnap imports TextExpander CSV and plist exports, with conversion for supported macros and fill-ins. Review warnings and test important snippets before switching.
The Road Ahead
TypeSnap is just the beginning. I’m building a portfolio of privacy-first Mac utilities - tools that respect your data and your wallet.
If that resonates with you, I’d love to have you along for the ride.
Prices quoted in this story describe my earlier experience. As of October 1, 2026, TextExpander Pro is $60 USD/year with annual billing, and a Free plan allows 5 active snippets.
Stop typing the same things over and over
TypeSnap expands your snippets instantly. One-time purchase, no subscription.