Screenshot: Raycast ( AnotherSpotlight Search, Mac's built-in search function, is Spotlight. You can find it by using the Command + Space keyboard shortcut or clicking the Search icon in your menu bar to search for files on your computer.AdvertisementSpotlight Search has some great built-in search capabilities. It can open files and folders, as well as applications. It can be used to search the internet, perform calculations and conversions and look up definitions.This is great, but there are many keyboard launchers that can be customized for Mac. These utilities will be a great help if you use your Mac for work or just want to make your Mac more productive.These utilities allow you to create automations, manipulate clipboards and expand text, as well as change system settings and arrange windows. First...How to disable Spotlight Search keyboard shortcut for MacScreenshot: Khamosh PathakSpotlight Search does not have to be disabled to make it work better. You can keep it and access it from the menu bar if you need it.To fully take advantage of any of these options, however, you will need to disable Spotlight Search (Command + Space). Follow these instructions.AdvertisementClick the Apple icon at the top of the menu bar to open System Preferences. For those who prefer the old-fashioned way of typing Settings, you can also press Command + Space. Click on the Spotlight icon, which looks like a circle in blue with a magnifying lens. Next, click the Keyboard Shortcuts link at the bottom-left. After ensuring that Spotlight is highlighted, uncheck Show Spotlight Search in the right-hand columns.AdvertisementOnce you have done that, the Command + Space keyboard shortcut will be used to make sure nothing happens.The exciting part is replacing Spotlight by a third-party app. You can choose to have each app replace your default Command + Space keyboard shortcut.AdvertisementScreenshot: Khamosh PathakAdvertisementBoth a free and paid version of Alfred are available. The free version of Spotlight Search can be viewed as a simplified, more user-friendly version. It can do all the same things as Spotlight Search, but it's faster and more efficient. It excels at finding and launching files, folders, and even has a separate modifier for searching folders.The Powerpack, which costs around $30, transforms Alfred into an automated machine. It unlocks features such as clipboard history, text expansion and hotkeys. And, most importantly, automations (which Alfred refers to as workflows).AdvertisementYou can create workflows in the app using a visual flowchart-based builder. You can integrate third-party actions and system features into your workflow engine to automate everyday tasks. Alfred's beauty is that you don't have to create your own workflows. There are thriving communities online that share workflows you can install on your Mac.Screenshot: Khamosh PathakAdvertisementRaycast, while Raycast and other similar sites have been around for over a decade, is a newer entry to the market that focuses on the future. Raycast will see us all spending most of our time in a web browser.Raycast is a great option if this sounds like you. Raycast is still in beta but it's growing quickly. Raycast's interface is modern and sleek and covers the most basic features such as application launching, unit conversion and file search. The file search and web searches are not available immediately. You will need to select a search option first.AdvertisementRaycast's web integration and productivity-related functions are where it shines. Raycast can integrate with G Suite, Zoom Jira and Calendar. You can perform actions in connected services from Raycast without leaving Raycast.Raycast has an integrated clipboard manager and window management tool to make it easier for you to work with your Mac. Raycast plans to release an API that developers can use to create custom integrations. This will allow you to perform common tasks from Raycast. These features will function better than community workflows within apps like Alfred because they are based on a native interface.AdvertisementScreenshot: Khamosh PathakAdvertisementLaunchBar is like Spotlight Search's spiritual successor. It is simple, fast, and looks great. It is optimized for speed and was designed for Mac users. LaunchBar is the most difficult of the three apps we have listed, but once you get past it, you'll be able to fly.LaunchBar is one of the most effective local file search and management tools. LaunchBar allows you to search, move or copy files without opening Finder.AdvertisementLaunchBar can be used to perform search functions and as an app switcher. LaunchBar can be opened by simply using the Spacebar to switch between open applications. You can easily open an app using the abbreviations feature by simply typing one letter (e.g., S for Safari).LaunchBar's Instant Send feature allows you to import any file or text and then choose what to do with it. You can send them to a folder or app or to an email contact.AdvertisementWhich keyboard launcher is best for you?Start with Alfred, the free version if you're just getting started with keyboard launchers. Raycast will prove to be a valuable tool if your work is connected with web services such as Jira and Asana. You can also assign it a different keyboard shortcut.AdvertisementLaunchBar is the best choice if you want to work faster on your Mac (and don't care about plug-ins). LaunchBar is the fastest and most efficient way to search, move, and manipulate clipboard.
