LeaderKey

The faster-than-your-launcher launcher

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Category
Utility
WM Type
—
License
free
Open Source
Yes
Keybindings
Yes
Scripting
Yes
Last Update
2026-03-02

Features

  • Leader-key shortcuts
  • Nested sequences
  • App launching
  • Window control

Install

$brew install leader-key

About

Leader key + key-sequence system for apps, commands, and window control. Nested, predictable shortcuts.

Who It's For

LeaderKey is for keyboard-driven Mac users inspired by Vim or Emacs leader key conventions. The idea: press a single activation key (your "leader"), then follow it with a sequence of keys to trigger actions — launch an app, focus a window, run a script, control volume. This creates a namespace of shortcuts that don't conflict with any application's own shortcuts, because the leader key prefix is unique. If you've configured a Vim leader key and want the same muscle memory for your desktop, LeaderKey brings that pattern to macOS.

How It Works

LeaderKey is configured via a JSON file that defines a tree of key bindings. Each node is either a leaf (runs a command) or a group (leads to another level of keys). You define the activation key and the full key sequence tree. The app intercepts the activation key globally and displays a small popup showing the available next keys. Window control actions are built-in, but any shell command can be bound, making LeaderKey a general-purpose launcher and automation trigger as much as a window manager.

{
  "key": "f18",
  "bindings": [
    { "key": "e", "action": "launch", "app": "Emacs" },
    { "key": "b", "action": "launch", "app": "Safari" },
    { "key": "w", "bindings": [
      { "key": "h", "action": "move-window", "position": "left-half" },
      { "key": "l", "action": "move-window", "position": "right-half" }
    ]}
  ]
}

Compared to Similar Tools

Compared to skhd, LeaderKey supports chained key sequences (leader → key → key) while skhd binds single key combinations. skhd is better for direct, fast hotkeys paired with yabai; LeaderKey is better for building a mnemonic shortcut namespace. Compared to Keyboard Maestro ($36), LeaderKey is free, open-source, and focused on the leader key pattern without a visual macro builder.

Requirements

  • macOS 13 Ventura or later (check GitHub for exact requirements)
  • Accessibility permission required
  • Free and open-source (MIT license)

Getting Started

brew install leader-key

Launch LeaderKey and edit the JSON config file at ~/.config/leaderkey/config.json. The GitHub repo at github.com/mikker/LeaderKey has the config schema and examples.

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