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Retext

A native macOS text expander that turns short triggers into full phrases, runs 100% locally with no account, and can generate snippet text with AI.

3.7 Productivity
3.7 Good 3.7
Local-only storage is the right default for snippets holding personal data macOS 15+ only – no Windows, Linux or mobile
Reviewed by Challenging Voice Editorial · Updated Oct 2026 How we rate
PricingFree
Free planYes
CompanyRetext
PlatformsMac
CategoryProductivity
Last reviewedAug 2026
UpdatedOct 2026

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Ask AI about Retext ChatGPT Claude Perplexity

Overview

Retext is a text expander for macOS. You type a short trigger such as ;addr and it expands into a saved address, email signature, code block or canned response, in any app. It runs locally with no account, and it requires a recent version of macOS (check the current system requirements on the official download page).

Retext keeps all snippets on your Mac with no account. Snippets often hold addresses, client details and other sensitive text, so keeping them off a server is a sensible default. The trade-off is that there is no cloud sync between devices. It is also a native Swift app rather than an Electron one, which matters for a tool that watches your keystrokes all day: it should stay light and quick.

The AI feature is limited to drafting: give a snippet a title and an optional prompt and it generates the text, while your normal typing is not sent through a model. You can group snippets with tags, for example by project or client. Check the official download page for current pricing. Retext is Mac only, with no Windows, Linux or mobile versions.

Key features

  • Trigger-based text expansion anywhere in macOS
  • 100% local with no account required
  • Native Swift app, not Electron
  • AI generation of snippet text from a title and prompt
  • Tag-based snippet organisation by project or client
  • Free download

Screenshots & demo

Retext screenshot 1

Pricing

Retext offers a free plan, with paid upgrades for higher limits and more features.

  • Pricing modelFree
  • Starting priceFree
  • Free planYes
Visit Retext

Pricing is provided as a guide. Check the official site for the latest plans.

Is Retext expensive?

Retext has no advertised paid tier. Among the 197 priced tools we list in Productivity, the median entry price is $10 a month.

70% of Productivity tools in the directory offer a free tier, and this is one of them.

Compared against every priced listing in Productivity, recalculated as the catalogue changes. Method and the full market breakdown are in our AI tool pricing study.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Local-only storage is the right default for snippets holding personal data
  • Native build keeps a keystroke-level tool genuinely fast
  • Free with no account to create

Cons

  • macOS 15+ only – no Windows, Linux or mobile
  • No cloud sync, which is the trade for local-only storage
  • AI is limited to drafting snippet text, not expansion itself

How it compares

ToolRatingFreeFromBest known for
Retext (this tool)3.7YesFreeTrigger-based text expansion anywhere in macOS
Slashit3.7YesFreeText expansion from short codes into saved snippets
Flakes3.8YesFreeKeyboard-first navigation
Shortkut3.4YesFreeAI-powered shortcuts usable in any input box on the internet

Alternatives to Retext

4 tools matched to Retext on what they do, their category and their price.

Shortkut

3.4

A Chrome extension that puts ChatGPT-powered shortcuts into any input box on the internet – build, save, and share AI snippets with your whole team.

Free Productivity
View details Visit

NewsBlur

3.6

An RSS reader with Intelligence Training – you teach it which authors, tags and phrases you care about, and it filters every feed accordingly.

Freemium Productivity
View details Visit
Compare all Retext alternatives →

Head to head: Retext vs Slashit · Retext vs Flakes · Retext vs Shortkut · Retext vs NewsBlur

Frequently asked questions

What is Retext?
Retext is a text expander for macOS. You type a short trigger such as ;addr and it expands into a saved address, email signature, code block or canned response, in any app.
Is Retext free?
Yes, Retext offers a free plan. Paid plans unlock more features and higher usage limits.
What are the best Retext alternatives?
The closest matches in the directory are Slashit, Flakes, and Shortkut, compared side by side above.

Reviews

3.7 Editorial rating No reviews yet

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