KeyCastr for Mac

KeyCastr — Keystroke overlay for macOS

KeyCastr is a free, open-source utility for macOS that displays keystrokes on-screen as you type. It’s intended for anyone who needs viewers to see keyboard input live, making it easy to follow along during demonstrations or recorded lessons.

Main capabilities

• Shows key presses in real time so audiences can track input as you demonstrate software.
• Lets you tailor the visual output — appearance, size, and placement are adjustable to suit different layouts.
• Filters and highlights specific keys or shortcuts to emphasize important actions.
• Works well in both live streams and pre-recorded tutorials where keyboard visibility matters.

Who benefits most

• Streamers and video creators who want on-screen keystroke feedback for viewers.
• Educators and trainers demonstrating software workflows or shortcuts.
• Presenters running live demos where participants need to see exact key sequences.
• Anyone producing instructional content that relies on visible keyboard input.

Customization options

• Change font, color scheme, and transparency to match presentation styles.
• Move and resize the keystroke window so it doesn’t obscure important UI elements.
• Toggle the level of detail shown (single keys, combos, modifiers) depending on the audience.
• Adjust how long key presses remain visible and switch between compact and expanded layouts.

Suggested substitute

• CheatSheet — a free macOS utility that provides a quick reference to keyboard shortcuts; useful if you primarily need to display or look up shortcuts rather than showing every keystroke.

Why choose KeyCastr

KeyCastr is lightweight, cost-free, and community-maintained, making it a strong pick for anyone who wants an unobtrusive, configurable keystroke overlay on macOS. It simplifies teaching, streaming, and demoing by making keyboard activity visible and easy to follow.