diff --git a/messages.js b/messages.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2eedf2f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/messages.js
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+const chalk = require('chalk')
+
+const warning = chalk.bold.yellow('warning')
+const error = chalk.bold.red('error')
+
+const unacceptablePlatform = chalk.white(
+  'this will very likely only work on macOS'
+)
+
+const makeDirectoriesFailed = chalk.white(
+  'failed to make keybindings directory'
+)
+
+module.exports = {
+  warning,
+  error,
+  unacceptablePlatform,
+  makeDirectoriesFailed
+}