BetterTouchTool is a versatile and highly customizable productivity app for macOS designed to help users streamline their workflow by creating custom gestures, shortcuts, and window management actions. It empowers Mac users to harness the full potential of their trackpads, keyboards, mice, and even the Touch Bar, making everyday tasks faster and more intuitive.
With BetterTouchTool, you can create personalized shortcuts and gestures tailored to your unique workflow, boosting efficiency and enhancing your overall Mac experience.
🔍 What Is BetterTouchTool?
BetterTouchTool extends macOS’s built-in input capabilities by allowing users to assign custom actions to a wide range of input devices including trackpads, Magic Mouse, keyboards, and the Touch Bar. It supports complex workflows with automation features and window snapping options, helping users get more done with less effort.
The app is popular among power users who want to supercharge their Mac without deep scripting or programming knowledge.
💡 Key Features
🤏 Custom Gestures & Actions
- Create multi-touch gestures for your trackpad or Magic Mouse.
- Assign custom actions to keyboard shortcuts or combinations.
- Support for drawing custom shapes as triggers.
🖥️ Advanced Window Management
- Snap windows to edges or corners similar to Windows’ Aero Snap.
- Move, resize, or switch between windows with simple shortcuts or gestures.
- Define custom snapping areas and window layouts.
💻 Touch Bar Customization
- Customize the MacBook Pro Touch Bar with your own buttons and widgets.
- Add app-specific Touch Bar profiles for context-aware controls.
- Create timers, switches, or triggers directly on the Touch Bar.
⚙️ Automation & Scripting
- Automate repetitive tasks with built-in scripting support (AppleScript, shell scripts).
- Chain multiple actions into a single gesture or shortcut.
- Use conditional triggers based on apps, time, or device state.
🔄 Cross-Device Support
- Works seamlessly with Magic Trackpad, Magic Mouse, Mac keyboards, and external devices.
- Supports pressure-sensitive trackpad gestures.
🚀 How to Install & Use BetterTouchTool
🔽 Installation:
- Download BetterTouchTool from the official website: folivora.ai.
- Install the app by dragging it to your Applications folder.
- Launch BetterTouchTool and grant necessary permissions in System Preferences for accessibility and input monitoring.
🛠️ Using BetterTouchTool:
- Open the app’s preferences pane.
- Select the input device you want to customize (Trackpad, Keyboard, Mouse, Touch Bar).
- Add new gestures or shortcuts and assign desired actions.
- Test your custom gestures or shortcuts.
- Explore predefined presets or share your configurations with the community.
✅ Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely flexible and highly customizable.
- Supports a wide range of input devices.
- Great for boosting productivity and workflow efficiency.
- Regular updates and active user community.
- Powerful window management features.
- Touch Bar customization adds new functionality.
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for new users due to many options.
- Requires accessibility permissions which may concern privacy-conscious users.
- Some advanced features may need trial and error to master.
- Paid app with a free trial (not free forever).
👤 Ideal For
- Mac users looking to customize gestures and shortcuts beyond default macOS.
- Power users and professionals aiming to speed up repetitive tasks.
- Users wanting improved window management similar to Windows.
- MacBook Pro owners who want to get more from their Touch Bar.
- Anyone interested in automating workflows with minimal coding.
🖥️ Compatibility
- Compatible with macOS 10.11 El Capitan and later.
- Supports Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
🔚 Conclusion
BetterTouchTool is an invaluable productivity booster for Mac users who want to take full control over their input devices and workflow. With its vast customization options, automation capabilities, and intuitive window management tools, it transforms how you interact with your Mac—making daily tasks quicker, easier, and more enjoyable.