PromptNote vs TextExpander
TextExpander is great for text snippets. But AI prompts need versioning, iteration, and developer tools — not just expansion triggers.
Feature comparison
How PromptNote stacks up against TextExpander for AI prompt management.
| Feature | PromptNote | TextExpander |
|---|---|---|
| AI prompt versioning | ✓ | — |
| Side-by-side diff view | ✓ | — |
| MCP server for AI tools | ✓ | — |
| CLI access | ✓ | — |
| Agent Skills integration | ✓ | — |
| Smart auto-tagging | ✓ | — |
| Cross-platform sync | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free to use | ✓ | — |
Key differences
Built for prompts, not snippets
PromptNote treats each prompt as a living document with versions, not a static text block. Iterate on wording, compare changes, and keep every variation.
Developer-native tools
Access prompts from your terminal with the CLI, connect AI assistants via MCP, or load them as Agent Skills. No browser required.
Works across every surface
Web, Android overlay, Raycast, CLI, MCP, and Agent Skills. Use your prompts wherever you work, not just where you type.
Free, no per-seat pricing
PromptNote is free with no signup required. Start immediately in guest mode. No per-user charges, no subscription tiers.
Where TextExpander wins
We believe in honesty. Here's where TextExpander has the edge.
System-wide text expansion with abbreviation triggers across every app on macOS, Windows, and iOS.
Fill-in-the-blank forms and dynamic snippets with date/time variables and clipboard content.
Mature team management with shared snippet groups, usage analytics, and enterprise SSO.
What users say
"I switched from TextExpander because I needed version history for my prompts. Being able to see what changed between iterations is a game-changer."
"The MCP integration means my AI coding assistant always has access to my prompt library. That alone made the switch worth it."
"Free, lightweight, and actually designed for prompts. TextExpander is overkill when all you need is prompt management."
Ready to try a prompt-first approach?
Start for free — no signup, no credit card. Your prompts sync when you're ready.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import my TextExpander snippets?
Not directly, but you can paste any text into PromptNote and it becomes a versioned prompt. Each paste creates a new snippet you can iterate on.
Does PromptNote support text expansion triggers?
PromptNote focuses on prompt management, not system-wide text expansion. For quick access, use the Raycast extension or CLI instead of typing triggers.
Is PromptNote really free?
Yes. The core app is free with no signup. Cloud sync requires a free account. There are no paid tiers or per-seat charges.
Can I use PromptNote offline?
The web app works offline with local storage in guest mode. The CLI works with cached data. Full offline sync is on the roadmap.
How is PromptNote different from a notes app?
PromptNote is purpose-built for prompts: each note holds multiple versions (snippets), supports side-by-side diffing, and connects to AI tools via MCP and Agent Skills.