Raycast

Meet Raycast, the revolutionary Mac productivity app that transforms how you work on your computer. This smart launcher replaces Apple's Spotlight with a supercharged interface that puts everything at your fingertips. Instead of clicking through multiple apps, you can access tools, run commands, and get AI assistance with just a few keystrokes.

Developed by a London-based team, Raycast has become the go-to choice for developers, designers, and productivity enthusiasts who want to work faster and smarter. The app combines a lightning-fast launcher with powerful features like window management, clipboard history, and AI chat capabilities.

With over 1000 free extensions available, you can customize Raycast to match your exact workflow needs, making it an essential tool for any Mac user serious about productivity.

Raycast is a comprehensive productivity platform built specifically for Mac users that serves as both an app launcher and a complete workflow automation system. Think of it as a much more powerful version of Spotlight search, but with AI capabilities built right in.

At its core, Raycast lets you quickly launch applications, search files, perform calculations, and control your Mac entirely through keyboard shortcuts. What sets it apart is its extensive ecosystem of over 1000 free extensions that integrate with popular tools like GitHub, Slack, Notion, and Google Calendar. You can manage your entire digital workflow without ever leaving the Raycast interface.

The app also includes advanced AI features powered by leading models like GPT-4, Claude, and DeepSeek R1, allowing you to chat with AI, generate content, and automate repetitive tasks. Whether you need quick answers, help with coding, or assistance writing emails, Raycast's AI integration makes it feel like having a smart assistant built into your operating system.

Getting started with Raycast is simple and intuitive. First, download the app from their website and install it on your Mac. The default keyboard shortcut is Option+Space, but you can customize this to your preference.

Here's how to maximize Raycast:

• Quick Access: Press your hotkey anywhere on Mac to open the search interface

• App Launching: Type app names to launch them instantly - faster than clicking dock icons

• Extensions: Browse the Store command to install extensions for your favorite tools

• AI Features: Press Tab in any search to access Quick AI for instant answers

• Snippets: Create text shortcuts that expand when you type keywords

• Window Management: Use built-in commands to resize and position windows perfectly

• Clipboard History: Access everything you've copied with a simple search

For AI conversations, use Command+J to enter full chat mode where you can have extended discussions. The app remembers your conversation history and syncs across devices if you have a Pro subscription. Start with the free plan to explore basic features, then upgrade when you're ready for AI capabilities and advanced customization options.

Raycast offers an impressive suite of productivity tools designed to streamline your entire Mac workflow. The core features include a blazing-fast app launcher, advanced file search, and intelligent window management that lets you organize your desktop with simple commands.

Key features include:

• AI Integration: Access to multiple AI models including GPT-4, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, o3-mini, and DeepSeek R1 for instant assistance

• 1000+ Extensions: Integrate with GitHub, Slack, Notion, Spotify, 1Password, and hundreds of other tools

• Smart Clipboard: Unlimited history with search capabilities to find anything you've copied

• Text Snippets: Create shortcuts for frequently used text that expand automatically

• Quicklinks: Save and organize bookmarks for instant access to any URL

• Calculator Plus: Perform complex calculations and unit conversions with natural language

• Calendar Integration: View upcoming meetings and join calls directly from Raycast

• Window Management: Resize, move, and organize windows with keyboard shortcuts

The platform also features cloud sync for Pro users, custom themes, translation tools, and a robust API for developers to create custom extensions. All data is stored locally for privacy, with optional cloud sync for convenience.

Raycast follows a freemium model designed to be accessible while offering premium features for power users. The Free plan includes all core functionality with access to 1000+ extensions, basic clipboard history, window management, and calculator features. You also get limited AI messages to try the AI capabilities.

Pricing tiers include:

• Pro Plan ($10/month or $8/month annual): Unlocks unlimited AI chat access, cloud sync across devices, custom themes, unlimited clipboard history, and advanced AI models

• Advanced AI Add-on (+$10/month): Access to premium models like GPT-4, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, and other cutting-edge AI capabilities

• Team Plan ($15/month per user): All Pro features plus shared snippets, quicklinks, and extensions for team collaboration

• Student Discount: 50% off Pro plan for verified students

Annual billing provides 20% savings on all paid plans. The company also offers a 14-day free trial for Pro features, making it risk-free to test advanced capabilities before committing.