Raycast
The blazingly fast, extendable launcher that replaces Spotlight.
Raycast isn't just a tool; it's a complete operating system patch for power users. It takes the concept of Spotlight and injects it with steroids, offering a clipboard manager, window resizer, and AI assistant all in one Cmd + Space interface. While the lack of a stable Windows version hurts, for Mac users, this is the single most impactful installation you can make.
Why we love it
- Blazing fast performance vs Spotlight
- Massive community extension store
- Built-in Window Manager & Clipboard
- AI integration feels native to OS
Things to know
- Exclusive to macOS (Windows in Beta)
- AI features require subscription
- Can be overwhelming for non-techies
About
Raycast is a blazingly fast, totally extendable launcher that lets you control your tools, complete tasks, and more. It replaces Spotlight with a powerful command bar that integrates with your favorite apps via a massive extension store. From window management to AI chat, Raycast keeps your hands on the keyboard and your flow uninterrupted.
Key Features
- ✓Spotlight Replacement
- ✓Extension Store
- ✓Window Management
- ✓Clipboard History
- ✓AI Chat (Claude/GPT)
- ✓Script Commands
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The Core Free tier is incredibly generous. It includes the launcher, window management, clipboard history, and unlimited use of community extensions. You only pay for Pro features like Cloud Sync, Themes, and integrated AI access.
Absolutely. Most users remap their Cmd + Space hotkey to open Raycast instead of Spotlight. Raycast does everything Spotlight does (launch apps, find files, math) but adds scripting, window snapping, and workflow automation on top.
A Windows Beta has been announced and is rolling out, but the stable version is currently macOS only. The team focuses heavily on deep integration with Apple's ecosystem, but cross-platform support is actively being developed.
Raycast Pro allows you to switch between top-tier models like GPT-4o, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and Llama 3 directly within the interface. You don't need separate API keys; it's handled via the Raycast subscription.
Alfred is a classic, but Raycast is modern. Raycast offers a superior free tier (clipboard/snippets are free, unlike Alfred's paid Powerpack). Raycast also has a much easier-to-use Extension Store compared to Alfred's workflow configuration.