Retext

What is Retext?

Retext expands short triggers into longer text snippets as you type on macOS. It is designed to work system-wide, so the same shortcut can expand in email, chat, code editors, browsers, and other apps where you can type.

The app focuses on keeping the workflow simple: create a snippet, assign a trigger, and let it replace the trigger instantly. Retext also adds AI-generated snippets, tags for organizing content, and team libraries for shared use on paid plans.

What can Retext do?

System-wide expansion on Mac

Retext runs in the background and expands snippets in any app where you can type, including email, Slack, VS Code, and browsers.

Instant trigger replacement

Type a semicolon trigger such as `;addr` and Retext replaces it immediately, without opening a popover or interrupting your flow.

Snippet organization with tags

Snippets can be grouped with tags, which makes it easier to organize content by project, client, or category.

AI-assisted snippet generation

You can generate snippet text from a title and optional prompt, and free users receive one complimentary AI generation while Pro users get unlimited AI-generated snippets and prompt variations.

Native macOS app

Retext is built in Swift and presented as a lightweight native Mac app rather than an Electron-based desktop app.

Shared team snippet libraries

Team plans include shared snippet libraries, real-time sync, and role-based permissions for group use.

Use Cases

“Reusable email and support replies”

Use snippets for canned responses, follow-up messages, and support templates that you need to send repeatedly.

“Developer boilerplate and commands”

Store code blocks, shell commands, and other repeating development text so they can be inserted quickly while coding.

“Addresses, signatures, and contact details”

Keep personal or business contact text in one snippet and expand it whenever you need to paste it into a form or message.

“Prompt writing and AI workflows”

Generate or store AI prompts, then reuse them as snippets for ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, and other tools.

“Shared team responses and templates”

Let multiple people use a common snippet library for consistent replies, references, or internal text.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Retext work in every app on Mac?

Yes. Retext is described as system-wide and works in any app where you can type, including email, Slack, VS Code, and browsers.

Do snippets stay on my device?

Yes. The site says snippets are stored locally on your Mac and are not sent anywhere, except when you use AI generation.

Why does Retext ask for Accessibility permission?

It needs Accessibility access to detect keystrokes and expand snippets system-wide on macOS.

Can I change the trigger character?

No. The FAQ says Retext currently uses semicolon (`;`) as the trigger character and that it is not configurable.

Is there a team workflow?

Yes. Team plans include shared snippet libraries, real-time sync, and role-based permissions, and the site says you can create a team from Settings after downloading Retext.