Shift

Shift is a Mac text and code editing tool that uses a Shift-key shortcut to rewrite selected content in place with AI. Reusable contexts, chat-style follow-up, custom shortcuts, and API keys supported.

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Overview

Shift is a text and code editing tool that works across applications on a Mac. It lets users highlight content, invoke the app with a double-tap of the Shift key, and ask an AI model to rewrite, generate, or refine the selected text without switching apps.

The product is built for people who want in-place editing in tools they already use, including code editors and common office apps such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It also supports reusable contexts, chat-style follow-up, custom shortcuts, and prompt libraries for more structured workflows.

Features

Quick Edit Mode

Select text in any application, double-tap the right Shift key, enter a prompt, and have the rewritten output replace the selected text directly in place.

Context

Add up to four context blocks, keep them across prompts, and optionally clear them after each prompt so longer tasks can preserve relevant background.

Chat Mode

Hold the right Shift key or use the chat icon to switch into a conversation-style workflow, with local chat history and optional memory retention.

Advanced Shortcuts

Create unlimited custom shortcuts in Settings using double-press, two-key, or three-key combinations, and map them to a model, prompt template, or library selection.

Library

Store reusable prompts, organize them into categories, and attach documents for longer instructions that need to be reused across tasks.

Custom API Key Support

Use your own API keys for supported providers, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, with cost and usage control handled in the app.

Use Cases

In-place writing edits
Revise sentences, paragraphs, or drafts directly in the app where they were written, which is useful when you want to polish copy without copying it into another tool.
Code assistance inside editors
Prompt an AI model to explain, transform, or rewrite code while staying in your editor, reducing context switching during development work.
Context-aware prompt chains
Keep source material in a context block when a prompt depends on earlier text, such as notes, requirements, or a longer passage that needs continuity.
Chat-style follow-up
Maintain a running conversation about selected text when the task needs back-and-forth refinement rather than a single rewrite.
Reusable prompt workflows
Save recurring instructions or specialized prompts in the library so repeatable workflows can be launched from custom shortcuts.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Works inside any application where you type, instead of requiring you to switch to a separate editor.
Supports both text and code editing workflows with the same shortcut-based interaction.
Offers multiple AI models, including GPT, Claude, Gemini, Llama, and DeepSeek variants.
Includes reusable contexts, chat mode, shortcut customization, and a prompt library for more structured tasks.
Lets users bring their own API keys for OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google.

Cons

The current source only confirms macOS support, with Windows still listed as coming soon.
The pricing details are incomplete because the dedicated pricing page returns a 404, so public plan information is limited to the homepage.
Several advanced capabilities are described as planned or in development rather than already released.

FAQ

How do I get started with Shift?

Shift is compatible with macOS and uses a keyboard shortcut to activate. The source says users download the app, sign up with an email or Google account, subscribe, grant accessibility permissions, and then start editing by double-pressing the right Shift key.

What platforms does Shift support?

The source states that Shift is currently compatible with macOS. A Windows version is mentioned as coming soon, and the homepage also offers a Windows waitlist.

What kinds of work can Shift handle?

Shift can edit text or code inside any application where you type, including code editors, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It works by selecting text, opening Shift with a shortcut, entering a prompt, and replacing the selected text with the AI-generated result.

How much does Shift cost?

Shift uses a transparent pricing model with a base subscription and usage-based charges. The homepage says the base subscription is $6.99 per month and that usage fees are billed on actual token use, but the missing pricing page means the publicly available pricing details are limited to the homepage text.

Can I use my own API keys?

Yes. The source says you can use your own API keys for OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, and that the keys are stored securely in macOS Keychain and not transmitted to Shift's servers.

Quick Facts

Category: AI writing and editing tool
Platform: macOS now; Windows waitlist / coming soon
Primary workflow: Select text, double-tap Shift, enter a prompt, and replace the selection inline
Source domain: shiftappai.com
Notable models: GPT, Claude, Gemini, Llama, and DeepSeek variants
Pricing signal: Homepage states a $6.99 monthly base subscription plus usage-based fees