FastScripts

Active

Country: United States (US)
Founded: 2003
Developer: Red Sweater Software
Pricing: Freemium
Open source: No
Platforms: macOS

Indexes

Automation Menu Bar Managers

Overview

FastScripts is a menu bar utility for macOS that provides quick access to scripts written in AppleScript, Perl, Python, Bash, and other scripting languages. Users can execute scripts through a searchable menu or assign global and application-specific keyboard shortcuts, eliminating the need to manually navigate file systems or use more complex automation frameworks. The application is designed for users who want to automate repetitive tasks across macOS applications without the overhead of wrapping scripts in Automator workflows.

Key Features

Script Menu Access - Access scripts through a menu bar interface with search functionality to quickly find and execute scripts.
Keyboard Shortcuts - Assign global or application-specific keyboard shortcuts to scripts for rapid execution.
Application-Specific Scripts - Organize scripts by target application so shortcuts and menu items are only active when the relevant app is in focus.
Multiple Scripting Languages - Support for AppleScript, Perl, Python, Bash, and other scripting languages, as well as Automator workflows.
Parallel Script Execution - Run multiple scripts simultaneously rather than sequentially.
Script Search (Scriptlight) - Type to search and filter available scripts from the menu bar.
Progress Reporting - Display progress information when scripts are executing.
Script Editing Integration - Configure preferred text editors for creating and editing scripts directly from FastScripts.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Free	$0	Up to 10 keyboard shortcuts, basic script menu access, application-specific scripts.
Premium	$39.95 (one-time)	Unlimited keyboard shortcuts, advanced scripting features, parallel execution, all features.

Platforms & Requirements

FastScripts runs exclusively on macOS and requires macOS 10.15 or higher. It operates as a menu bar application and integrates with the native macOS scripting environment. No versions exist for Windows, Linux, iOS, or Android.

Integrations & Ecosystem

AppleScript
Automator workflows
OmniFocus (AppleScript automation)
SizeUp (window management scripting)
Third-party script libraries
PathFinder (file revelation)
AppleScript bundle format support

Alternatives

App	Difference
Apple Script Menu	Built-in macOS feature with limited functionality; FastScripts provides keyboard shortcuts and better organization.
Automator	Native macOS automation tool requiring scripts to be wrapped in workflows; FastScripts runs scripts directly with less complexity.
Alfred	Broader productivity tool with scripting capabilities; FastScripts focuses specifically on script execution and keyboard shortcuts.
Keyboard Maestro	More comprehensive macro and automation platform; FastScripts is lighter-weight and specifically optimized for script management.

Reputation

FastScripts is well-regarded among macOS power users and developers as a lightweight, efficient tool for script automation. Users appreciate its simplicity compared to Automator and its direct script execution model. The application has maintained active development with regular updates, including a major version 3 release that added parallel execution and improved UI. Some users note it was previously available on the Mac App Store but was removed due to Apple's restrictions on advanced functionality, though the standalone version remains actively maintained and supported.

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