// GUIDE · UPDATED OCTOBER 2026
The best keystroke visualizers for Mac
The main options are Overlaid, KeyCastr, KeyScreen, Keystroke Pro and Mouseposé. Overlaid is the one that also lets you draw and zoom.
A keystroke visualizer shows the keys you press on screen, so people watching can follow along. There are more good ones on the Mac than you'd expect.
Every one of them needs Accessibility permission, because that's how macOS lets an app see key presses.
METHOD 01
KeyCastr
Free, open source
The long-standing open-source option. Shows command keys, modified keys or every key, plus mouse clicks.
- 1Install: brew install --cask keycastr
- 2Grant Accessibility permission.
- 3Pick what to show and drag the display where you want it.
GOOD
- +Free
- +Mouse clicks too
- +You can write your own visualiser
NOT SO GOOD
- −Plainer look than the paid options
METHOD 02
KeyScreen
One-time, Mac App Store
A focused keystroke app with themes, animations and mouse clicks. Needs macOS 15 or later.
- 1Get it from the Mac App Store (or direct download).
- 2Pick a theme and position.
GOOD
- +Five themes plus custom ones
- +Never receives password field input
- +Multi-display
NOT SO GOOD
- −macOS 15 or later only
- −Keystrokes only
METHOD 03
Keystroke Pro
$14.99, Mac App Store
Customisable key shapes and colours with animations, smart positioning and multi-monitor support.
- 1Buy it on the Mac App Store.
- 2Set the key style and where it appears.
GOOD
- +Lots of styling options
- +Menu bar app
NOT SO GOOD
- −Keystrokes only
- −Priciest of the focused options
METHOD 04
Mouseposé
Subscription
Boinx's presentation helper: cursor spotlight, click effects and keystrokes together.
- 1Download from Boinx.
- 2Turn on keystroke display in its settings.
GOOD
- +Cursor spotlight in the same app
NOT SO GOOD
- −No drawing
- −Yearly plan
METHOD 05THAT'S US
Overlaid
$11.99 once, 7-day free trial
Keystrokes as raised keycaps, plus drawing, zoom and cursor effects in one app.
- 1Press ⌃⌥K to toggle keystrokes.
- 2Choose one of nine positions and theme each key type in Settings.
GOOD
- +Combos only by default
- +Secure input never shown
- +Drawing and zoom in the same app
NOT SO GOOD
- −Paid after the trial
- −More app than you need if you only want keystrokes
// WORTH KNOWING
THREE TIPS.
Only keystrokes? Start free
Try KeyCastr first. If you want it prettier, KeyScreen or Keystroke Pro.
Keystrokes plus pointing?
If you also circle things or zoom in, one app that does both saves juggling shortcuts.
Check the privacy defaults
Prefer an app that hides password input and can show shortcuts only.
// FAQ
QUICK QUESTIONS.
KeyCastr. It's free, open source and installs with Homebrew.
Good ones don't. KeyScreen and Overlaid both say they never show secure input like password fields. Check before you stream.
// COMPARE
// YOUR NEXT CALL
Draw on your screen in the next five minutes.
7 days free with every feature. Then a one-time purchase. No account, no subscription.