Mac Like App Launcher

Ubuntu’s default app launcher is the GNOME Shell Applications Overview but this full-screen grid of icons doesn’t suit everyone’s tastes.

Thankfully a world of alternative app launchers for Linux desktops exist —launchers that are more traditional, more interactive, and/or often more capable than what Ubuntu provides out of the box.

Inspired by my recent play with rofi on the Regolith desktop I decided to test a bunch of ’em to compile this: a list of the best app launchers for Ubuntu and Linux Mint (in my opinion, of course).

Let’s dive in!

5 Best Linux App Launchers

As you likely know, Ubuntu has a pretty capable app launcher built-in. One press of the super key and —bam! it’s there, ready to help.

Add the Mac OS X Launchpad to Windows. The Launchpad is the Mac OS X’s app launcher, which you can add to Windows 10 with the WinLaunch Starter software. This is a program that replicates the Mac OS X Lion’s Launchpad GUI in Windows. Click the Download button on its Softpedia page to save the Zip. Apr 28, 2020 The concept of an app launcher or a dock on a Windows desktop might seem redundant to some. This is especially true for Windows 10. Yet, app launchers or MacOS like docks have been quite in demand over the years on Windows. This, in turn, has led many developers to take on the challenge and deliver a good experience to users on Windows. The Chrome App Launcher allows you to launch your favorite apps right from the desktop.

But it’s a little too there for some folks who, like you, may be on the look out for a less egregious offering.

Learn More14 Essential Ubuntu Keyboard Shortcuts (with Cheat Sheet)

Now, for the purposes of this list, an app launcher is defined as a utility that opens with a keyboard shortcut and which also lets you launch any app installed on your system.

So to secure a spot in this list an app launcher must:

Work with the stock Ubuntu desktop
Open with a keyboard shortcutorkey
Launch any installed app

Based on this criteria desktop-specific launchers like Slingshot (Pantheon) and Brisk (MATE) are out of scope, as are static desktop docks like Plank, Dash to Panel and AWN.

But even without these the choice isn’t limited, as there’s a diverse range of nifty applications launchers freely available…

1. Albert

We start this list with the Linux app launcher omg! ubuntu! readers rate as their favourite: Albert.

Albert, like most of the launchers in this list, spends the majority of its time hidden from view. When you need it you press ctrl + space and—et voila—it’s there instantly, awaiting your keystrokes.

How To Make Ubuntu Look Like Mac (In 5 Steps)

As you type the name of an app Albert will show matching suggestions in real time. You select the one you want using your keyboard arrow keys and hit enter to launch it — that’s it!

Albert isn’t limited to just opening your fave programs either, as you can use the tool to search for files and folder on your system, browse your Firefox bookmarks, launch a web search, and more.

A quick rundown of what Albert can do:

Search apps and files/folders
Configurable keyboard shortcut
Wide range of additional extensions

Albert is written in C++ and uses the Qt framework and its focus is on speed and extensibility.

One negative is that Albert isn’t the nicest looking entry on this list “out of the box”, though a variety of additional themes do come included.

The launcher also requires set-up before it can do anything; Albert can’t search through anything until you head into Settings > Extensions and enable the abilities you want.

Want Alfred to do your bidding? Download the latest version from the official repo (works on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS and up):

2. Kupfer

If you like the look and feel of Albert, but want something that is both a little lighter on system resources and available to install from the Ubuntu archives, check out Kupfer.

Kupfer is a free, open-source app launcher for Linux desktops that has some added tricks up its sleeve, including file search and a small set of additional application plugins.

Kupfer’s features include:

Configurable hot key
Fuzzy search
Search apps and files/folders

The Python-based Kupfer is no longer actively maintained but don’t let that put you off: the app still works as intended, even on the latest Ubuntu releases.

3. Ulauncher

Ulauncher is my personal favourite app launcher in this list because it’s actually so much more than that!

Like almost every ctrl + spacebar productivity bar Ulauncher draws heavily on Alfred for macOS — which is not a bad thing.

Written in Python and using GTK+, Ulauncher integrates well with the vanilla Ubuntu desktop. As well as boasting a wealth of themes (woo) Ulauncher has a huge set of optional “extensions” available to download.

Fuzzy search
Lots of themes

Two versions of Ulauncher are available: v4 and v5. Plugins for v4 don’t work in v5, and vice versa, so if a particular power-up you want is only available in v4, use that.

Use extensions to customise Ulauncher to perform extra actions and access features, e.g., search emoji and copy it to the clipboard; sift through saved passwords; manage system processes; look up word definitions; and more.

The best way to install Ulauncher on Ubuntu is to grab an installer direct from the project’s Github releases page:

4. GNOME Pie

Now for a slice of something a little different!

GNOME Pie is a circular, icon-based app launcher that can rely as much on mouse movements as it does key presses — which you use is up to you!

We’ve written about this app in more detail before, so check out one our older articles if you’re keen to learn more about the who, what and why,

Each Pie can be configured, organised or set-up according to your tastes, but by default GNOME Pie will use application categories (e.g., “Office” contains LibreOffice, et al, “Internet” has your web browsers, social media clients, etc).

Lots of themes
Hugely customisable
Control media playback
Use with mouse, keyboard or both

Sadly GNOME Pie is not (yet) available to install on Ubuntu 19.04, but it works just great on 18.04 and related distros (like Linux Mint). Install it from the official PPA.

5. Arc Menu

Okay, okay: technically the Arc Menu GNOME extension is more of an app menu rather than an app launcher but since it a) can be opened with a keyboard shortcut (super) and b) lets you search and launch apps without taking your hand off the keyboard, I’m going to say it counts!

An app launcher with a menu button instead of a tray applet, and UI that appears in the corner of the screen and not the centre.

Arc Menu uses the same search backend as GNOME Shell (you can control search plugins from the Settings > Search section) to deliver app results, system settings, software suggestions and more.

Other App Launchers

Synapse

Synapse is olden-goodie that’s still available in the Ubuntu repos and (mostly) still works. Its glossy interface is somewhat dated (and certainly jives with plainer, more modern desktops) but its core functionality remains in tact.

And as a bonus: this thing is still amazingly fast.

Alt + F2

I couldn’t leave out the venerable alt + f2, could I? This universal run dialogue is the most basic option on this list (it can only run commands) but it is available out of the box on almost every single distro out there so it merits a mention!

Launchy

Launchy is a free, open source app launcher that works on Windows, macOS and Linux. The cross-platform nature means it’s not as natively “Linux” as other options in this list but it works. Major downside: Launchy plugins only work on Windows.

Cerebro

Cerebro is an Electron-based app launcher pitched as a Spotlight alternative for Linux and Windows. It’s certainly that; it’s unnervingly similar. But, while capable, its Electron roots will put many off due to its large memory usage.

Is there a “best of” roundup you’d like us to write? Let me know below

If you have used Mac, you might have noticed than it has an in-built launcher that helps users to consolidate all installed apps in one place. This launcher doesn’t come with tons of options or features but this is useful. Hulu live mac app.

Although, Windows 8 and later version of Windows users can use Metro screen, where this is possible to get all installed apps. However, if you do not like to use Metro screen and want to get a dedicated launcher like Mac OS X on Windows, here is a solution. This solution will let you gather specific apps in accordance with your requirements.

Macbook Launcher

Introducing WinLaunch

As Windows doesn’t have any launcher, users can simply utilize this app. WinLaunch is available for Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. This is a free software and works without any problem. You can download WinLaunch from here.

Read Also: Launch programs,Folders and Files using key combinations in Windows

How to install and use WinLaunch on Windows?

This is simple and doesn’t require any expert knowledge. At first, download the set up file or the installer from the official website. You will get the file from aforementioned link. After downloading the installer, double click on it and download the installation files. To install this software, you must have valid internet connection. Otherwise, it will not be able to download the required files.

After installing it successfully, you will get a small popup window, which looks something like the following picture,

Plantronics app for macbook. Officially there is no way we can install this app on PC. But it doesn’t mean that this closes doors for all the Windows and Mac users to use this app. There are a few tricks that allow us to install any app available on Google playstore to laptop. We are going to use Android emulators in this article to Download Plantronics Hub for PC. These emulators creates a virutal android environment in the PC. Plantronics Hub for Windows/Mac is a client application that provides end users with headset customization/firmware update capabilities. Plantronics Hub is also responsible for capturing data and events from the headset and sending that data to Plantronics Manager Pro. Plantronics Hub for Windows/Mac Allows end-users to customize their settings and get visible status of their Poly audio device on their desktop. Plantronics Hub for Windows/Mac, part of the Plantronics software portfolio, is a client application that allows users to control the settings on their Plantronics audio device. Users can customize their ringtone and ring location, configure presence updates, and more. The software enhances the user experience by providing valuable information. Plantronics Status Indicator Companion App for Mac: Required Mac application for device configuration and softphone support: Microsoft Teams/Skype for Business/Lync, Cisco Jabber: macOS 10.15 – 10.9: Plantronics Hub for Desktop: Required application for additional softphone support: Over 35 additional softphones: Windows/Mac.

You have two options. You can choose either Lion Blur or No Blur. According to the WinLaunch recommendation, No Blur provides the better performance. Therefore, it would be better if you select this option.

I have personally tested both editions. Nevertheless, I haven’t got any major difference. Anyway, right after choosing one option, you will get a bigger window and a text something like the following picture,

Now, you can add any application in the launcher. To add any application, at first, hit the “F” button so that the window gets smaller size. After that, you can use drag & drop technique to add any application.

How to make an ios app without a mac. This is also possible to pin any specific file (audio, video, image etc.) to this window instead of dedicated software icon.

To open WinLaunch frequently, you can pin the app to your Taskbar or place your mouse on the top left section of your screen.

That’s it. WinLaunch comes with couple of settings to run it according to your wish and requirements.

Mac Os Launcher

For example, you can change the theme, wallpaper, enable/disable tablet mode, run it for multi-screen, change hot corner and more others.