KeyCastr

What is KeyCastr?

KeyCastr is a macOS keystroke visualizer that helps people show keyboard shortcuts and selected input live on screen. It is commonly used by teachers, presenters, developers, and video creators who want viewers to see which keys were pressed during a demo or recording. The app can display command shortcuts, modifier combinations, or all keystrokes in a movable overlay, and it can also show mouse events when needed. Users can adjust the overlay’s appearance with options such as colors, font size, timing, and display style to fit different workflows and screen layouts. KeyCastr is an open-source utility published by Andrew Kitchen and is focused on making shortcut-heavy workflows easier to follow during macOS presentations and screen captures.

Key features

• Show keystrokes in real time as you type
• Display command shortcuts, modifier keys, or full keystrokes
• Show mouse events alongside keyboard input
• Move the on-screen overlay to a clear area of the display
• Customize the overlay’s colors, size, and timing
• Use it during tutorials, live demos, screen sharing, and recordings

Safety overview

Status: Mostly safe

KeyCastr is a legitimate utility for showing input on screen, but it needs macOS Input Monitoring or related accessibility permissions to capture keystrokes system-wide. That access is normal for this type of app, yet it is still sensitive because the app can observe keyboard activity outside a single window. Use it only when you want that overlay behavior, grant permission to a trusted copy, and pause or quit it before entering sensitive information.

Recommendation: Keep KeyCastr if you use screen recordings, teaching, presentations, or live demos where viewers need to see shortcuts. If you no longer use that workflow, you can remove it and revoke its privacy permissions without affecting normal macOS use.

Common paths

• /Applications/KeyCastr.app

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