Raycast

Raycast is an extensible productivity launcher for macOS that replaces Spotlight and Alfred with a faster, more powerful command center for your Mac. The platform combines quick app launching, file search, clipboard history, window management, custom scripts, and a growing marketplace of extensions with AI assistant capabilities for a comprehensive keyboard-driven workflow.

Best For: Power users, developers, and keyboard-first professionals who want to maximize Mac productivity with customizable shortcuts, automation, and AI assistance without leaving the keyboard.

Key Features

What makes Raycast better than Spotlight or Alfred?
Significantly faster search and launch. Built-in window management (snap windows, organize spaces). Clipboard history with search. Snippet expansion for common text. Extension marketplace for custom workflows. Script commands for automation. Native AI assistant integration. Modern, actively developed interface.

What extensions and integrations does Raycast provide?
Official extensions for GitHub, Jira, Linear, Notion, Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, and more. Community marketplace with thousands of extensions. Custom script commands in any language. API for building your own extensions. Quicklinks for frequently accessed URLs with placeholders.

How does Raycast handle window management?
Keyboard shortcuts snap windows to halves, thirds, quarters, or custom positions. Multi-monitor support with window movements between displays. Window arrangement presets for different workflows. Replace separate window management apps like Rectangle or Magnet.

What AI features does Raycast include?
AI chat for questions, writing assistance, and brainstorming. Summarize selected text from any app. Improve writing, fix grammar, or change tone. Translate text on-the-fly. Custom AI commands with your own prompts. Powered by GPT-4 with privacy-conscious design.

Pricing & Plans

Free: Core features, extensions, clipboard history, window management, snippets
Pro: $8/month or $96/year - AI features, cloud sync, unlimited clipboard history, themes, priority support

Free tier includes most features. Pro adds AI assistant and advanced customization for power users.

Limitations

• macOS only (no Windows or Linux versions)
• Learning curve for maximizing keyboard-driven workflow
• Some extensions require paid third-party accounts
• AI features require Pro subscription

Getting Started

1. Download and install Raycast for Mac
2. Set up global hotkey (default: Cmd+Space, replacing Spotlight)
3. Explore core features: app launcher, window management, clipboard
4. Browse extension marketplace for your workflows
5. Create custom shortcuts and scripts as needed

Learn More: raycast.com