Zazu

Zazu is a cool, minimalist tool that acts as an open-source alternative to Alfred. It helps you search your Mac and launch apps super quickly. If you're looking for something simple yet effective, Zazu is definitely worth checking out!

Cross-Platform and Plugin-Based

One of the best things about Zazu is that it's cross-platform and plugin-based. This means you can use it with the plugins it comes with or add new ones to fit your workflow better. So whether you're a casual user or a power user, there's something here for everyone!

Getting Started with Zazu

Starting with Zazu is a breeze! Just double-click it, and it'll automatically install the default plugin package for you. Once that's done, you'll get a notification. You can summon Zazu anytime using the ⌥ + SPACE command—easy peasy!

Add New Functionality

If you want to expand what Zazu can do, just type the keyword “install” in the inbuilt package manager to search for plugins. Can’t find what you need? No worries! You can create your own plugins by following the Creating Plugins tutorial available on their documentation page.

Customize Your Experience

You can also customize how Zazu looks and behaves. Modify its configuration file to change hotkeys, themes, and even decide where it opens on your screen.

System Commands Support

Zazu isn’t just an app launcher; it also supports system commands through its default zazu-system plugin. This lets you restart, lock, or shut down your Mac easily—plus activate screensavers or log out without any hassle!

App Launcher Features

Zazu works great as an app launcher too! It searches for apps installed on your Mac; just use the “find” keyword if you're looking for a specific file.

Limitations of Zazu

However, keep in mind that Zazu doesn’t search within files like Spotlight does. If you need to find documents based on their content, you'll need another desktop search tool.

The Bottom Line

In summary, Zazu is a powerful multi-platform app launcher with desktop search capabilities that are easy to extend with plugins. It's perfect for macOS users who want more customization than what Spotlight offers!