Cerebro
A keyboard launcher for apps, files, web searches and calculations, extended through community plugins.GetMIT
App launchers
Open-source app launchers for Mac that open apps, files and commands from a search box, a hotkey or a pop-up menu, as Spotlight alternatives.
A launcher opens apps, files, web searches and other actions from a single entry point, usually a search box summoned with a hotkey. Many go beyond Spotlight with plugins, calculators, clipboard history, window controls or custom commands.
Some are built around typing a query, others around fixed key sequences or a menu that appears under the pointer. Consider how quickly results appear, whether the plugin system uses a language you know, and whether the app indexes files locally or sends queries to online services.
All Apps
13 free, open-source apps
Kando
A configurable pie menu that pops up under the pointer to launch apps, open files and send shortcuts.GetMIT
Leader Key
Launch apps and actions through nested, memorable key sequences.GetMIT
look
A keyboard-first launcher for apps, files, folders, clipboard history and quick commands, with a local index.GetGPL-3.0+
Quicksilver
Launch applications and perform actions through a keyboard-driven interface.GetApache-2.0
Sol
A fast app launcher and command palette that bundles clipboard history, window management and quick tools.GetMIT
SuperCmd
A keyboard launcher that runs Raycast extensions and adds clipboard history, snippets, dictation and AI actions.GetMIT
Thor
Assign a global keyboard shortcut to each app so you can open or switch to it instantly.GetMIT
Tinycast
Launch apps, search files, recall clipboard items, and run shortcuts from one palette.GetAGPL-3.0+
Trace
A keyboard launcher for macOS that also snaps windows, opens quick links and offers push-to-talk dictation.GetMIT
Ueli
A keystroke launcher for opening apps, files, bookmarks and quick conversions from a single search box.GetMIT
Wox
A keyboard launcher for apps, files and actions, extensible with Node.js, Python and script plugins.GetGPL-3.0
ZTools
An open-source launcher modelled on uTools, with app search, clipboard history and a plugin market.GetMIT
