What is LaunchBar used for?

LaunchBar is a keyboard-driven app launcher and search tool for macOS that reaches apps, files, contacts and web searches with short abbreviations. It is a good fit for replacing mouse-driven app switching, and quick searches and file actions on a Mac.

How much does LaunchBar cost?

LaunchBar is a paid product with no free plan.

Is LaunchBar open source?

No. LaunchBar is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to LaunchBar include RustCast.

What are some alternatives to LaunchBar?

LaunchBar competes with Alfred and Raycast. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source LaunchBar alternatives.

LaunchBar: features, pricing and alternatives

About LaunchBar

LaunchBar is a launcher for macOS that is operated from the keyboard. A single shortcut opens it, and users type short abbreviations to open applications, documents and bookmarks, so they rarely need to reach for the mouse.

Beyond launching, it works as a file manager for browsing, copying, moving and renaming files, a search tool for the desktop and the web, and a personal assistant for events, reminders and contacts. It also includes a clipboard history, snippet manager, calculator, script runner and more. Built-in indexing rules cover Finder tags, emoji, Shortcuts, Reminders, Safari data and browser history, and users can pick from several themes.

LaunchBar is a commercial macOS app from Objective Development, the company behind Little Snitch. A free download is offered, and a license can be purchased in the vendor's shop.

Key features

Keyboard launcher using abbreviations
File browsing and management
Desktop and web search
Clipboard history and snippet manager
Built-in actions for events, reminders and contacts
Themes and indexing rules

Good fit for

→Replacing mouse-driven app switching
→Quick searches and file actions on a Mac

Tags: macos; launcher; keyboard; search; clipboard; productivity; utility

LaunchBar: questions and answers

What is LaunchBar used for?: LaunchBar is a keyboard-driven app launcher and search tool for macOS that reaches apps, files, contacts and web searches with short abbreviations. It is a good fit for replacing mouse-driven app switching, and quick searches and file actions on a Mac.
How much does LaunchBar cost?: LaunchBar is a paid product with no free plan.
Is LaunchBar open source?: No. LaunchBar is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to LaunchBar include RustCast.
What are some alternatives to LaunchBar?: LaunchBar competes with Alfred and Raycast. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source LaunchBar alternatives.