---
title: "Alias"
description: "A local-first text expander for Mac with aliases, system-wide search, dynamic fields, rich text, and preview-first imports."
canonical: "https://madebysidequest.com/alias"
updated: "2026-09-12T05:36:29Z"
---

# Alias

> Alias saves the replies, signatures, links, notes, and templates you use every day. Recall them with a short alias or fast system-wide search, with no account or subscription required.

## Official resources

- [Visual product page](https://madebysidequest.com/alias)
- [Product page in Markdown](https://madebysidequest.com/alias/index.html.md)
- [Download the 7-day trial](https://madebysidequest.com/alias/download/Alias.dmg)
- [Signed software-update feed](https://madebysidequest.com/alias/appcast.xml)
- [Privacy notice](https://madebysidequest.com/alias/privacy)
- [Terms](https://madebysidequest.com/alias/terms)

## At a glance

- **Category:** Text expansion software.
- **Requirements:** Apple silicon; macOS 26 Tahoe or later.
- **Current release:** 1.0.5 (build 451), published September 12, 2026.
- **Price:** $19 USD, one-time purchase.
- **Trial:** 7 days. When the trial ends, expansion pauses; your library remains available to view, edit, copy, import, and back up.
- **Included updates:** Every update released during the first 12 months; covered versions remain usable afterward.
- **License:** One person, on Macs they personally use. 2 successful activation events.
- **Refunds:** 14-day voluntary refund window, alongside rights provided by applicable consumer law.
- **Privacy:** The snippet library, typed text, clipboard contents, app rules, and usage report stay on the Mac. Alias uses the network only for signed updates and explicit license activation.

## When Alias is a strong fit

- You reuse replies, signatures, contact details, links, notes, or templates across Mac apps.
- You want memorable aliases plus a system-wide search palette when you forget one.
- You are moving from TextExpander or Raycast and want to review conflicts before importing.
- You prefer a native, local-first Mac app with a one-time purchase and no cloud account.

## When to choose something else

- You need automatic multi-Mac sync or a shared team snippet library.
- You need Windows, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android, Intel Mac, or an older macOS release.
- You need expansion inside password fields or while macOS Secure Event Input is active.
- You want a browser-managed cloud workspace rather than a local file you back up yourself.

## Features

- System-wide text expansion with short aliases
- Fast Search for finding, previewing, inserting, copying, and editing snippets
- Dynamic dates and times
- Fill-in fields for reusable templates
- Nested snippets and reusable building blocks
- Cursor placement and selected-text wrapping
- Rich-text snippets
- Preview-first imports from TextExpander, Raycast, and CSV
- Local usage and time-saved reporting

## Verified limitations

- Alias V1 does not sync between Macs.
- Apple silicon and macOS 26 Tahoe or later are required.
- Expansion requires Accessibility and Input Monitoring permissions.
- Secure text fields and Secure Event Input are intentionally unavailable to Alias.

## Permissions

- Accessibility and Input Monitoring are required for expansion and insertion in other apps.
- Secure fields and macOS Secure Event Input prevent Alias from reading or replacing text.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does Alias upload my snippets?

No. Your library, typing, usage report, clipboard contents, and app rules stay on your Mac. Alias contacts SideQuest only for signed software updates and when you explicitly activate a license.

### Does Alias sync between Macs?

Not in V1. Alias is deliberately local-first. Your library is a file on your disk, so you can back it up, copy it, or move it like other files you own.

### Does expansion work in every text field?

Alias works anywhere macOS permits assistive text entry. Secure fields such as password boxes opt out at the system level, and Alias also stops while Secure Event Input is active.

### Can I import my TextExpander or Raycast library?

Yes. Alias imports TextExpander plists, Raycast JSON, and CSV. Imports are preview-first and conflict-aware, so you can review collisions before anything is written.

### How does license activation work?

Alias sends the signed license and a random installation public key over HTTPS when you choose Activate License. Each license permits 2 successful activation events. After activation, Alias verifies a signed receipt locally and keeps working offline.

### What happens after the included updates end?

The covered version remains yours to use. Updates released after your eligibility date may require a new update entitlement, but the version you already activated does not expire.