Overview
Raycast is a keyboard-driven launcher originally built for macOS as a replacement for Spotlight. Beyond opening apps and files, it includes clipboard history, snippets, window management, calculators and quick links.
Developers and power users use Raycast to trigger actions in other tools without switching windows, through a store of community extensions for services such as GitHub, Linear and Notion. Raycast AI adds chat and AI commands, and a Windows version has been released more recently.
Key features
- Launcher and searchOpens apps, files and system commands from a single keyboard shortcut.
- Extension storeCommunity extensions built with a React and TypeScript API integrate many third-party services.
- Productivity utilitiesClipboard history, snippets, window management and quicklinks are built in.
- Raycast AIAI chat and custom AI commands work across selected text and apps, with access depending on plan.
- Script commandsCustom scripts in languages such as Bash, Python or Node can be run from the launcher.
Best for
- Developers who want to act on tools like GitHub or Linear without switching apps
- macOS power users who prefer keyboard-driven workflows
- Teams sharing snippets, quicklinks and extensions
Pricing
Freemium. Core launcher and extensions are free; Pro adds AI features and cloud sync, and Teams adds shared resources.
| Plan | What you get |
|---|---|
| Free | Launcher, extensions, clipboard history and window management. |
| Pro | AI features, cloud sync, unlimited clipboard history and custom themes. |
| Teams | Shared extensions, snippets and quicklinks for organizations. |
Prices and plan limits change often. Check the official website for current pricing. Last reviewed Oct 3, 2026.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Generous free tier covers most launcher and utility needs
- Large extension ecosystem with an approachable developer API
- Fast, polished keyboard-first experience
Cons
- Built primarily for macOS; Windows support is newer and less mature
- AI features require a paid subscription
Raycast alternatives
Try Raycast
Core launcher and extensions are free; Pro adds AI features and cloud sync, and Teams adds shared resources.