What is DeckPilot used for?

DeckPilot is a Mac menu-bar app plus iOS companion that turns an iPhone or iPad into a customizable control deck for shortcuts, macros, MIDI faders and system controls. It is a good fit for stream Deck replacement without extra hardware, audio and music production faders, and shortcut panels for creative apps.

Yes. DeckPilot has a free plan.

Is DeckPilot open source?

No. DeckPilot is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the Productivity category, open-source options include NetNewsWire, Stats and Rectangle.

What are some alternatives to DeckPilot?

Other SaaS products in the Productivity category include Apple Numbers, AvoCal and Bartender.

DeckPilot: features, pricing and alternatives

About DeckPilot

DeckPilot turns an iPhone or iPad into a touch control surface for a Mac. A menu-bar app on the Mac pairs with a companion app on the phone or tablet, and buttons on the device trigger keyboard shortcuts, launch apps, run scripts and fire multi-step macros. The homepage positions it as a free alternative to a hardware Stream Deck, using a device you already own.

Decks can be app-aware, so the buttons change with the frontmost application. The product also includes MIDI sliders, gestures and a persistent system strip that brings back Touch Bar-style controls such as volume, brightness, now playing and mic mute. More than eighty premade decks are offered as templates. Pairing happens over Wi-Fi or USB with an encrypted handshake, and the connection runs over the local network.

It is a commercial desktop and mobile product, though the homepage advertises a free download with no card and no trial timer. It suits creators, musicians and power users who want quick Mac automation from a handheld screen.

Key features

Customizable button decks on iPhone or iPad
App-aware buttons that change per application
Multi-step macros and script launching
MIDI sliders and gesture controls
Touch Bar-style system control strip
Premade deck templates

Good fit for

→Stream Deck replacement without extra hardware
→Audio and music production faders
→Shortcut panels for creative apps

Tags: macos; ios; shortcuts; macros; midi; touch-bar; automation

DeckPilot: questions and answers

What is DeckPilot used for?: DeckPilot is a Mac menu-bar app plus iOS companion that turns an iPhone or iPad into a customizable control deck for shortcuts, macros, MIDI faders and system controls. It is a good fit for stream Deck replacement without extra hardware, audio and music production faders, and shortcut panels for creative apps.
Is DeckPilot free?: Yes. DeckPilot has a free plan.
Is DeckPilot open source?: No. DeckPilot is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the Productivity category, open-source options include NetNewsWire, Stats and Rectangle.
What are some alternatives to DeckPilot?: Other SaaS products in the Productivity category include Apple Numbers, AvoCal and Bartender.