Image Native macOS · free & open source

Press a key. It types the line.

Real keystrokes, at a human pace.

Write your lines ahead of time. Each press of one hotkey types the next line into whatever app you're in - perfectly on cue. Built for demo recordings and live presentations.

Download for Mac Source on GitHub

macOS 14+ ·

$ brew install --cask alexpolonsky/tap/typecue

Building from source: xcodegen generate, then build - details in the README.

Each press of ⌃⌥X types the next line - .

How it works

1

Write your blocks

A script is an ordered list of text blocks, one per beat of your demo, lesson, or scene. Pace them with inline markers like [0.5] and [speed:40].

2

Focus any field

Your editor, a browser, a chat app. TypeCue waits in the menu bar.

3

Press ⌃⌥X

The next block types itself, human-paced. Press again for the one after, or mid-type to stop.

Everything a live take needs

For demo videos, tutorials, webinars, and live presentations.

Real keystrokes

System-level key events, not a clipboard paste - to the receiving app, it's just you typing.

Direct the pace

Inline markers set the pace: [0.5] pauses, [speed:40] changes tempo, [enter] submits on cue.

Natural rhythm

Timing varies at spaces and punctuation, the way people type.

Floating teleprompter

An always-on-top panel tracks what's typed, what's typing, and what's next while the target app keeps focus.

Any language, any layout

Layout-aware and RTL-ready. Anything outside your layout arrives by direct Unicode entry.

Chat-safe line breaks

Multi-line blocks use Shift+Return by default, so chat apps hold the message until you mean it.

One permission, explained

Accessibility access to send keystrokes. There is no account, no network call, and no analytics anywhere in the app.

Plain-file scripts

Scripts live in a plain JSON file you can edit by hand, sync, or pass to your AI tools.

Built for AI agents

The tools you already use can drive TypeCue. Claude Code, Cursor, or any agent with access to your machine can author scripts, pace them like a director, and control the app.

The repo ships an agent skill with the script schema, guardrails, and pacing rules. Give this line to your agent:

Then ask for things like "turn these prompts into a well-paced TypeCue script". The agent writes the blocks, adds the markers, and reloads the app. You press the key.

FAQ

Why does TypeCue need Accessibility permission?

Accessibility is the macOS API for sending keystrokes to other apps, and the only permission TypeCue asks for. Verify it in the onboarding Test Pad before you go live; the code is open if you want proof.

Does it work in password fields?

No - macOS blocks synthetic typing into secure fields for every app, TypeCue included. It detects this and warns you instead of silently swallowing your block. Passwords stay manual.

Does it work in my language?

Yes. Typing is layout-aware, RTL included - and switching input sources mid-session is handled automatically.

Which apps does it type into?

Anything with a text field: browsers, editors, chat apps, terminals, TextEdit.

Can I change the hotkey?

Yes. ⌃⌥X is just the default - set any shortcut you like in Settings, and the menu shows whatever binding is active.

How is this different from TextExpander or Keyboard Maestro?

Those expand snippets or run automations on demand. TypeCue plays an ordered script, one hotkey press per block, with pacing you direct. It was built for performing a demo rather than for everyday shortcuts.

How do AI agents control TypeCue?

Scripts are plain JSON at ~/Library/Application Support/TypeCue/scripts.json; agents edit the file directly. Three commands drive the app - typecue://activate-script, typecue://reset-session, and typecue://reload - and the session mirrors to state.json so tools can watch progress. The skill documents all of it.

What do people use it for?

Mostly product demos - recorded screencasts and live ones on stage or in a sales call. The same mechanics apply to tutorial and course recordings, coding livestreams where a segment is prepared ahead, and film or TV scenes where an actor types and the screen has to show real, coherent text.

How does it update?

TypeCue never phones home, so it never updates itself either. Homebrew users get new versions with brew upgrade; everyone else downloads the new dmg when a release interests them.

Can I use it commercially - at work, in a paid product demo?

Yes. MIT license, no restrictions, no fine print.

Get TypeCue

Download for Mac

or brew install --cask alexpolonsky/tap/typecue