When comparing TypeIt4Me vs PhraseExpress, the Slant community recommends TypeIt4Me for most people. In the question“What are the best text expansion apps for macOS?” TypeIt4Me is ranked 2nd while PhraseExpress is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose TypeIt4Me is:
Not too thin, not too bloat. Very approachable.
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Pros
Pro Just right
Not too thin, not too bloat. Very approachable.
Pro No subscription
TypeIt4Me is relatively inexpensive. There's a $19.99 one-off payment and that's it. No recurring monthly fee after that (though they do charge an optional $8.99 fee to upgrade to a new version every few years).
Pro Relatively easy to use
Other text expanders do the job but are really difficult to use, with complicated interfaces to learn. By contrast, TypeIt4Me is relatively simple and intuitive. It also has a detailed instruction manual for when you do want to get into the power features.
Pro Has been actively developed for decades
The developer has been supporting TypeIt4Me since the 1990s and clearly cares about maintaining the product.
Pro Good support
First class customer care.
Pro Related notepad app for iPhone and iPad
The Mac version of TypeIt4Me can sync snippets via iCloud with TypeIt4Me Touch (an iOS note-taking app with built-in TypeIt4Me text expansion support, available as a separate purchase).
Pro Easy to use
Very clear and thoughtful user interface.
Pro Flexible shortcut system
Offers many options for autotext.
Pro No subscription, perpetual license
Unlike other text expanders, PhraseExpress is a one time purchase.
Pro Versions for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android
Pro Phrase menu
Pro Document generator
Pro Portable option
Can run from a USB device.
Pro Works with Mac and Windows and iPhone
There are versions for all platforms, that can synchronize snippets.
Pro Sophisticated macro language
It has many macro functions. Macros can be combined and nested.
Pro Supports RTF formatting and Word documents
Pro Does not force to use a cloud service
It can run standalone without the need to connect to the Internet.
Pro Fill-In forms with may options
You cannot only add simple text input but also radio buttons, check boxes, etc.
Pro Includes Outlook addon to automate email replies
Pro Clipboard Manager with cool extra features
If email addresses or URL are part of the clipboard contents, PE offers you to send an email to that address or to open the web site.
Cons
Con Less sophisticated feature set
If you're switching from TextExpander you may miss one or two power features like fill-ins that don't have direct equivalents. There's usually a workaround that achieves roughly the same outcome, though.
Con Infrequent updates
It's a great app but there tend to be quite long intervals between major new versions.
Con Language support
The TypeIt4Me app interface itself is available in English, French, Italian, German and Spanish but the Help / instructions are only available in English. If your English is not strong, this could be frustrating.
Con No Linux version
Some people might want it.
