Written by Swaraj Nandedkar • Creator & Lead Developer
Step-by-Step Migration Guide • Updated 2026

Migration Guide

How to Import Espanso Snippets into a GUI Text Expander

Espanso is a fantastic open-source text expander, but maintaining complex YAML indentation and dealing with daemon crashes can slow down your workflow. This guide explains how to migrate your entire Espanso snippet library into FlitKey in under 30 seconds.

Step 1: Locate Your Espanso Match Files

Espanso stores match rules inside YAML files on your system:

Linux: ~/.config/espanso/match/base.yml
Windows: %APPDATA%\espanso\match\base.yml

Step 2: Run FlitKey's 1-Click Importer

Launch FlitKey and open the Importer tool:

Open FlitKey Settings from your system tray or main dashboard.
Click Import Snippets and choose Espanso (.yml) format.
Select your base.yml (or any custom .yml match file).
Click Import. FlitKey parses all triggers, replacements, and dynamic variables.

Supported Variable Conversions

FlitKey automatically translates standard Espanso extension tags during import:

Espanso Variable	FlitKey Dynamic Tag	Output
`{{mydate}}` (date extension)	`{{date}}`	Current ISO date (YYYY-MM-DD)
`{{clipboard}}`	`{{clipboard}}`	System clipboard text
$\|$	$\|$ or `{{cursor}}`	Final cursor placement