Raycast

An extensible launcher for macOS, a single input box connects apps, files, clipboard history and window management. It also has built-in AI chat and an extension store, making finding entry points and switching windows a single keystroke away.

AI Chatbot#Launcher#Quick Start#Productivity

Updated: 2026-10-26

What is Raycast?

First press the shortcut key, then tell it what you want to do — Raycast brings together Mac apps, files, clipboard content and various actions into a single input box. The official describes itself as "a set of productivity tools in an extensible launcher" and repeatedly emphasizes speed, ease of use and stability. It doesn’t solve a specific problem; instead, it shortens the path for the action of "opening something", so you don’t have to keep searching back and forth between Finder, system search and various applications. The official website positions it in a restrained way: an extensible launcher filled with a bunch of productivity tools—fast, smooth to use, and reliable—all three things centered on reducing the number of operation steps.

Who is it for?

Mac users who switch back and forth between browsers, editors, terminals, and notes every day.
People who are frustrated that the system search can only look for file names and want to "search for commands and actions".
Developers who are willing to tinker with extensions and want to integrate internal tools and fixed actions into shortcut keys.
Administrative, operations and finance roles who need to turn repetitive tasks into a single keystroke.

Key features

One input box for everything

Type to filter apps, commands, files, and links, with the next steps directly shown in the search results.

Clipboard History

Saves and indexes copied content, allowing you to paste it back to any location and eliminating the need to recall "that text I copied earlier."

Window Management

Built-in split-screen commands such as left half-screen and right half-screen let you arrange windows with a single command.

Emoji and Symbol Search

Quickly search for Emojis and Unicode symbols by category and insert them into any text box.

AI Capabilities

The official listing includes three sections: AI Chat, Quick AI, and AI Extensions, integrating conversation and generation into a single launcher.

Extension Store

The official website provides an Extension Store, as well as an official extension repository on GitHub, where you can build your own tools to integrate.

How to use Raycast

1Check the system requirements before installation: The official website states that macOS Tahoe and Apple Silicon are required, so Intel Mac users should pay attention.
2It is recommended to install it with Homebrew for easier subsequent upgrades; you can also download the installation package first to try it out before making a decision.
3Start with the two most effortless extensions: Clipboard History and Window Management. Add other extensions as needed; too many will clutter the input box.
4AI-related features fall under the paid subscription category; whether to subscribe and the pricing details shall be subject to the official website's current instructions.
5Too many shortcut key takeovers may conflict with the system or other tools. If something inexplicably stops working, first check the shortcut key settings.