Keyboard Maestro
Keyboard Maestro is a macOS automation utility from Stairways Software that creates macros, hot keys, clipboard tools, and workflow triggers.
What is Keyboard Maestro?
Keyboard Maestro is a macOS automation and macro utility published by Stairways Software Pty Ltd. It lets users build macros made from triggers and actions so repetitive tasks can be launched from hot keys, typed strings, application events, schedules, login events, scripts, and other conditions. The app includes an editor for creating and organizing macros, while the separate Keyboard Maestro Engine runs in the background so automations keep working after the editor is closed. Documented capabilities include clipboard history, named clipboards, application and window switching, and script execution for workflows that connect with other Mac apps and web tasks. Users commonly install it to reduce repetitive work, expand text, control apps, launch multi-step routines, and customize daily Mac behavior. The bundle ID com.stairways.keyboardmaestro.editor is used by the editor component.
Key features
- Create macros with triggers and action sequences for repetitive tasks
- Run automations from hot keys, typed strings, schedules, login events, and app events
- Record user actions to help build macros
- Keep clipboard history and store reusable named clipboards
- Switch between applications and windows with built-in switchers
- Execute scripts and shell commands as part of larger workflows
Review app leftovers with diCleaner
Inspect caches, support files, containers, and login items before cleaning.
Safety overview
Status: Safe
This is a legitimate commercial Mac automation tool from Stairways Software Pty Ltd. It may request Accessibility, Automation, and other macOS permissions because those are required to control apps, send keystrokes, and run macros. Stored macros can contain scripts, text, clipboard data, and workflow logic, so review existing automations if the Mac was set up by someone else.
Recommendation: Keep it if you use keyboard shortcuts, macros, text expansion, clipboard history, or automated workflows. Remove it if you no longer use its automation features and do not need the Keyboard Maestro Engine running at login.
Common paths
/Applications/Keyboard Maestro.app
Cache paths
~/Library/Caches/com.stairways.keyboardmaestro.editor~/Library/Caches/com.stairways.keyboardmaestro.engine
Support paths
~/Library/Application Support/Keyboard Maestro
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/com.stairways.keyboardmaestro.editor.plist~/Library/Preferences/com.stairways.keyboardmaestro.engine.plist
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