BetterTouchTool

Active

Country: Germany (DE)
Founded: 2009
Developer: Andreas Hegenberg
Pricing: Freemium ($9.99 one-time purchase for full version)
Open source: No
Platforms: macOS

Indexes

Automation Keyboard Customization Launcher/Spotlight Alternatives Window Management

Overview

BetterTouchTool is a macOS utility that enables customization of input devices including trackpads, Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and keyboards through gesture recognition and trigger assignment. The application allows users to create both global triggers that work across all applications and app-specific triggers that activate only when particular applications are in focus. It serves power users and Mac enthusiasts seeking to extend input device functionality beyond native macOS capabilities.

Key Features

Global and App-Specific Triggers - Configure triggers that work across all apps or activate only in specific applications
Touch Bar Customization - Completely customize the Touch Bar with custom buttons, widgets, and controls
Multi-Touch Gesture Support - Add custom multi-touch gestures to trackpad, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad
Conditional Activation Groups - Assign triggers to groups of apps based on defined conditions
Floating Menu Configuration - Create app-specific or global floating menus that merge across applications
Keyboard Customization - Map and customize keyboard shortcuts and key combinations
Widget Support - Add widgets including app switcher, emoji picker, and menu bar controls
Preset Sharing - Share and download community-created presets and configurations

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Free Trial	Free	30-day trial with full feature access
Full Version	$9.99 one-time	Permanent license with all features and updates

Platforms & Requirements

BetterTouchTool runs exclusively on macOS and requires a Mac with compatible input devices. It supports various input methods including trackpads, Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and keyboards. The application integrates with macOS system features like the Touch Bar on compatible MacBook models.

Integrations & Ecosystem

Touch Bar integration
Keyboard shortcuts
Mouse and trackpad input
Magic Mouse support
Magic Trackpad support
Community preset sharing
Menu bar widgets

Alternatives

App	Difference
Karabiner-Elements	Open-source keyboard remapping tool with more limited GUI customization but broader cross-platform support
Keystroke Pro	Keyboard-focused automation with simpler interface but fewer multi-touch gesture options
Alfred	Spotlight alternative and launcher with workflow automation but less emphasis on input device customization
Hammerspoon	Scriptable automation tool requiring coding knowledge but offering more granular control

Reputation

BetterTouchTool is regarded as a feature-rich and mature application for Mac power users seeking advanced input customization. Users appreciate its comprehensive gesture support, Touch Bar customization capabilities, and active community sharing presets. The application has maintained consistent development since 2009 and benefits from an engaged user base. Some users note a steep learning curve for complex configurations and occasional stability issues with certain macOS updates.

Sources (8)