# Espanso

_Type a trigger phrase into any text input and it expands._

Espanso runs locally on your computer and works in almost any app: type a short trigger phrase and Espanso replaces it with the full text you assigned to the phrase. Example:

> Type `:prompt-ask` anywhere to insert the [Ask Protocol](https://homepage.sefzig-net.workers.dev/prompts/ask).

It is that simple. What is not so simple is the installation, you need to know your computer well to do that.

To use any of my [Protocols](https://homepage.sefzig-net.workers.dev/prompts#protocols) in Espanso, follow these steps:

#1: Install Espanso [v]
  Unless you have not already done so, install Espanso. It is free open source (source: [Espanso.org](https://espanso.org/)) for Mac, Windows, and Linux.

  Here is the installation guide: [Install Espanso](https://espanso.org/install/).

#2: Copy the prompt [v]
  Copy the "Espanso" version from any of the prompts listed on my [Prompts](https://homepage.sefzig-net.workers.dev/prompts) page.

#3: Paste the prompt [v]
  Locate and open Espanso's `base.yml`. Add the prompt you copied to the `matches` object.

#4: Save and use [v]
  Save the configuration.

  Espanso reloads the file automatically, so you can use your prompts immediately.

  For simple re-opening, I have added a bookmark to my file explorer.

Once the app and prompts are set up, an advanced behavior like assessing your needs with `:prompt-ask` and guiding the implementation with `:prompt-next` is 23 keystrokes away.

Espanso can do much more, see their [getting-started](https://espanso.org/docs/get-started/) guide.