ActiveWords vs FastFox

ActiveWords turns typed words into triggers for Windows text expansion and automation. It can insert plain or formatted content, including RTF, HTML, and images, correct spelling in any context, launch programs, files, folders, and web pages, or run scripted sequences. One typed word can trigger multiple actions. Version 5’s ActionPad searches Words, applications, files, folders, and Start Menu items, and handles advanced and date calculations. Selected Text actions can search highlighted text, create email, open a URL, pass text to a custom script, or display it in Large Type. Sync stores Words, Actions, and Tags in a cloud-synced folder, commonly used with Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, and Google Drive. Enterprise deployments add read-only shared items, multiple shared files, centralized control, and support for Terminal Services, LAN, WAN, and NAS. ActiveWords supports Windows 10 and 11 and Windows Server 2019; Windows 7 is unsupported. There is no free plan, but a free 60-day trial requires no credit card.

FastFox is a text expander for inserting frequently used phrases, paragraphs, documents, and images while you work. You can create unlimited shortcuts, with no stated limit on expanded text length, and save expansions as plain text or formatted rich text. A shortcut can insert an image such as a company logo. FastFox can learn phrases you type often and suggest them as you type. It also lets you combine Ctrl, Alt, and Shift commands into macros that work in programs. The software runs in the background and is intended for use across programs, including word processors and email; Microsoft Word and Outlook are named examples. Businesses can use a shared shortcut file on a network to standardize stock text. FastFox supports Windows and macOS, offers advanced expansion rules, and has no mobile support. A free trial is available, but the opened product page does not state its duration. Home and business licenses are listed, with prices not provided.