Overview of Raycast - Supercharge Your Productivity
Raycast is a Mac app that serves as a customizable, extensible productivity launcher and automation tool. It provides quick access to tools, commands, and workflows to boost productivity.
How Does It Work?
Raycast is accessed by a global keyboard shortcut (default ⌘K). This opens the Raycast window where you can search and run commands.
The interface is inspired by the command line. You type to search and filter results. Hit enter to run a command.
It comes packed with a set of productivity features out of the box. You can also install extensions from the Raycast Store and create your own custom extensions and integrations using the Raycast API.
Raycast is focused on speed and productivity. The app is designed to be lightweight, fast, and efficient.
Key Features and Benefits
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Store - Discover and install extensions from the Raycast Store to add functionality. Extensions integrate your tools and workflows.
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Developer Platform - Create custom extensions with the Raycast API and developer tools. Tailor Raycast to your needs.
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Quick Access - Launch apps, websites, projects, meetings, and more in seconds with keyboard shortcuts.
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Search - Search and control apps, files, contacts, clipboard items, snippets, and more from one place.
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Calculations - Make quick calculations and unit conversions in natural language.
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Snippets - Define text snippets to quickly insert commonly used text and code. Supports placeholders.
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Window Management - Quickly position and resize app windows for a cleaner desktop.
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Script Commands - Write scripts in any language to connect web APIs and automate workflows.
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Lightweight - Native app with fast performance. Uses minimal system resources.
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Secure - No tracking. All data stored locally encrypted. Total privacy by design.
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Open Source - Raycast is developed in the open on GitHub. Active community.
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Cross-Platform - Coming soon: Raycast will also support iOS, iPadOS, Android and the web.
Use Cases and Applications
Raycast supercharges your productivity and streamlines workflows. Here are some examples of how it can be used:
- Launch and switch between apps instantly
- Search for files, contacts, notes, etc
- Look up words in the dictionary
- Make quick calculations
- Insert snippets of text
- Open recent projects or bookmarks
- Control media playback
- Check the weather
- Join upcoming meetings with one click
- Resize and position app windows
- Automate repetitive tasks by connecting web services
- Search the web without opening the browser
- Take quick notes
It's a universal hub for everyday tasks that saves you time and effort.
Who Is It For?
Raycast is designed for anyone who wants to save time on repetitive tasks and boost their productivity.
It's great for:
- Developers - Automate workflows, launch projects fast, find code snippets.
- Designers - Quickly access design tools, assets, and inspiration.
- Productivity enthusiasts - Optimize workflows for speed and efficiency.
- Mac power users - Customize Raycast with scripts and extensions.
- Teams - Share tools, snippets, links to streamline collaboration.
Pricing
Raycast offers both free and pro plans for individuals and teams. View detailed pricing here.
Integrations
Raycast supports hundreds of apps and services. Some popular integrations:
- Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Calendar, etc)
- Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, OneDrive, Teams, etc)
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Apple ecosystem (Reminders, Notes, Music, etc)
- 1Password
- Alfred
- Docker
- Notion
- GitHub
- Slack
- Figma
- Spotify
You can search the Raycast Store for more supported apps.
Raycast API
Raycast has a developer API that allows creating custom extensions. You can use any language that compiles to a binary for macOS, like JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, Rust, Swift, Objective-C, C, C++, .NET, Java, and more.
The API documentation can be found at developers.raycast.com.
What Are People Saying?
Here are some Raycast reviews:
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"Raycast is a must-have productivity booster for Mac. It's fast, extendable, and perfectly blends automation with speedy access to tools I use daily." - The Verge
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"Raycast has quickly become an essential part of my workflow. I can access everything I need in seconds without touching the mouse." - Matt Swider, TechRadar
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"This app changed how I use my Mac. Customize it to build your perfect workflow." - Alex O., Software Engineer
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"Raycast is like Alfred on steroids. The extensions make it really powerful for streamlining my work." - Charlotte P., Designer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raycast free? Yes, Raycast has a free version with all the core features. Raycast Pro offers additional benefits.
What are the system requirements? Raycast requires macOS 12 Monterey or newer.
Is there a web version? Not currently, but web support is planned for the future.
How do I create custom extensions? You can use the Raycast developer tools and API to create extensions. See the Developer Documentation.
Can I use Raycast on iPhone/iPad? iOS and iPadOS support is in development. Sign up for updates on launch plans.
