Keyboard Maestro 3.0 adds new macros, actions

Stairways Software today announced Keyboard Maestro 3.0, a new version of its productivity enhancer for Mac OS X. Version 3 adds new ways to create macros, including recording, new ways to trigger macros, new actions, simplifications and an improved user interface. With Keyboard Maestro's macros, users can control applications, windows, or menus; insert text; open documents, applications or URLs; execute scripts; control the system or iTunes; and more using the touch of a key, click of the mouse, or as scheduled action. Users can also trigger macros when an application is launched or running and over the Internet using Keyboard Maestro's built-in web server.

Keyboard Maestro also features a Program Switcher and Window Switcher that can cycle through applications or windows, that can close, hide, or open the application or window, respectively. In addition, the utility can help users manage a crowded screen by letting them close or hide multiple windows or applications. In addition, a Clipboard Switcher can select from a number of named clipboards, for storage and access later by name.

Specifically, the update adds the ability to create new macros by recording users' actions as well as enable and disable macros and macro groups. It also include new triggers, including a "do script" AppleScript, a built-in web server that offers an internet-based trigger mechanism, and any (unmodified) hot key. Users can also use any number of new actions, including inline Unix/AppleScript script text, execution of Automator Workflows, the ability to Log Out, activate the Program/Window/Clipboard switchers, and manipulate any Window to resize it smaller or to a specific size.

Keyboard Maestro 3.0 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or greater and supports Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard; it is a Universal Binary that runs natively on both PowerPC- and Intel-based Macs. New customers can purchase Keyboard Maestro for $36: upgrades are free for purchases after November 1, 2007 and $18 for those who purchased Keyboard Maestro 2 between July 2004 and October 2007. A 30-day trial is available online.