If you're looking for an open-source text expander, Espanso is a free GPL-3.0 option for Windows, Mac, and Linux. PhraseVault® is source-available, rather than open source. License holders can request the source by emailing office@spqrk.net and signing a non-disclosure agreement. They may modify it for internal use. Redistribution requires the licensor's prior written consent.
What does each license allow?
Espanso publishes its source, so anyone can read how it works. PhraseVault does not publish its source. A license holder can request it by emailing office@spqrk.net and signing a non-disclosure agreement. Their licenses give you different rights: Espanso permits modification and redistribution under GPL-3.0 terms, including its source-code obligations. PhraseVault permits licensed users to modify the code for their own internal use. Publishing or distributing an original or modified copy requires the licensor's prior written consent. Transferring your whole license under the license's transfer rules, or a resale that mandatory law allows, does not.
PhraseVault also works differently from an abbreviation expander. Press Ctrl+. on Windows or Cmd+. on Mac, search by a few letters of a phrase's name or content, and press Enter to paste it. You choose the phrase in a search window rather than expanding abbreviations while typing, so there's no trigger list to memorize.
How do the tools compare?
| PhraseVault | Espanso | |
|---|---|---|
| Source you can read | License holders, on request, under an NDA | Yes, public |
| License | Source-available; redistribution requires written consent | GPL-3.0 |
| Price | One-time license; 14-day free trial, no card | Free |
| Platforms | Windows 10 or later (64-bit), macOS 13 or later (Apple Silicon) | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| How you insert | Search window (Ctrl+. / Cmd+.). No abbreviation expansion | Abbreviation and regex triggers |
| Editing | Graphical phrase editor; no config files to edit | YAML files. No graphical phrase editor |
| Formatting | Plain text, Markdown, HTML (target-dependent) | Plain text, Markdown, HTML, images |
| Shell and packages | No | Shell commands, and community packages |
| Sharing | One database file. Simultaneous edits are not merged | Shared config files |
| Support | Community | |
| Kept current | Version-line updates included; future major versions may cost extra | Maintained. A release shipped in September 2026 |
As of October 2026.
When should you choose Espanso?
Choose Espanso if you need Linux support beyond Arch with Hyprland, free software, or the right to redistribute your changes under GPL-3.0. Regex triggers match patterns, shell commands can supply dynamic output, and community packages provide ready-made phrase collections. YAML configuration gives you control over complex triggers and scripts. Espanso also supports Markdown, HTML, images, and forms; these aren't exclusive to PhraseVault.
When does PhraseVault fit better?
PhraseVault offers a graphical phrase editor, with no YAML or terminal setup. Its fuzzy search finds word fragments in names and unprotected contents in any order. It needs no account and uploads no phrases; on Mac, automatic pasting requires Accessibility permission.
Colleagues can share one database file, although it isn't designed for simultaneous editing. If you already use Espanso, PhraseVault can import YAML phrases. Regex triggers are skipped, and variables may need adjustment. The imported trigger becomes a phrase name, not an abbreviation that expands as you type.
A one-time license includes email support and updates within your version line; future major versions may be sold separately. See the pricing page and privacy overview; other options are in our text expander comparison.
Download PhraseVault and try every feature free for 14 days — no account or credit card required.
Espanso is a trademark of its owner. PhraseVault is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.