TexTab

About TexTab

TexTab is a keyboard-driven utility that turns selected text into AI actions via customizable shortcuts. It performs tasks like translation, summarization, and rewriting without forcing you to switch apps, and it's released as open source so you can bring your own API keys.

Review

TexTab focuses on removing repetitive copy-paste steps by letting you trigger AI tasks from the keyboard. The experience is lightweight and straightforward, and the open-source approach gives you control over which AI provider and billing model to use.

Key Features

• Custom keyboard shortcuts to run AI actions on selected text (translate, summarize, rewrite, etc.).
• Support for multiple providers via bring-your-own API keys (OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, OpenRouter).
• Open-source codebase, so you keep control of data and can inspect or modify behavior.
• Plugin support to extend capabilities and integrate additional actions without leaving the current app.

Pricing and Value

TexTab is launching as a free, open-source project. Instead of a hosted subscription, you supply API keys for the AI provider of your choice, so your costs come from that provider's usage fees rather than from the tool itself. For people who run many small text transformations, this model can be very cost-effective because you only pay for the API calls you make; however, total cost depends on which provider and plan you choose. The project roadmap notes plans for broader platform support and additional plugins, which will increase utility over time.

Pros

• Speeds up common text tasks by eliminating repeated app switching and copy-paste cycles.
• Open source and privacy-friendly: you control API keys and data flow.
• Works with multiple AI providers, giving flexibility around features and pricing.
• Lightweight and focused UI with extensibility through plugins.

Cons

• Early-stage: current platform support is limited (initial emphasis on macOS-style shortcuts) and some features are still planned.
• Requires manual API key setup and management, which adds a configuration step and exposes you to provider billing.
• Advanced integrations and polished onboarding are still being developed, so there can be a learning curve for non-technical users.

TexTab is a strong fit for writers, researchers, and developers who frequently manipulate text and want to cut down on context switching. It's less ideal for users who prefer a fully hosted service with no API setup or for those who need full cross-platform support immediately. For anyone comfortable configuring API keys and seeking a faster inline workflow, TexTab offers a practical, cost-transparent option.

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