Plover

Plover is a free, open‑source stenography engine that translates keyeno input from a regular keyboard or a dedicated steno machine into ordinary keystrokes. Running as a background Python application, it emulates typing so any program—whether a word processor, web browser, terminal, or development environment—receives the text without knowing a steno device is being used. This enables users to achieve speeds of over 200 words per minute across typical computing tasks.

The software targets a range of users, from professional stenographers and transcriptionists to programmers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in high‑speed typing. It is part of the Open Steno Project, which also provides affordable hardware and learning resources, and includes training tools for beginners. A minimalist interface keeps the focus on writing, while a plugin manager allows community‑driven extensions.

Plover runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux and supports both standard keyboards and specialized steno hardware. Its design emphasizes a lightweight, unobtrusive presence, extensive shortcut handling, and compatibility with virtually any application, making it a versatile replacement for a conventional keyboard.