Raycast: the all-purpose AI productivity tool for your computer desktop

General Introduction

Raycast is an all-in-one productivity tool designed for Mac users to quickly launch apps, search for files, manage tasks, and even control their smart home with a simple search box and shortcuts. It not only replaces the Spotlight feature that comes with macOS, but also consolidates operations scattered across apps into a single interface with a rich community of extended plug-ins and AI features. Whether you're a programmer, designer, or casual user, Raycast can dramatically improve your productivity. It supports basic features that are free to use, as well as a Pro version that offers AI enhancements and cloud synchronization for individuals and teams. Currently, Raycast is only supported on macOS, but a Windows version is in development and users can join the waiting list.

Freedom to expand and quickly launch various AI tools in a single desktop software, example:Raycast-G4F: Free access to GPT-4, Llama-3, and many other AI models via Raycast!

Function List

• Application Launch and Search: Quickly open applications or search system files with shortcuts.
• AI commands: Use natural language to call plug-ins or perform complex tasks such as generating text or analyzing web pages.
• Extension Plug-ins: Connect to tools like Notion, GitHub, Jira, and more for cross-application operations.
• Document management: Search for files and perform operations such as copying, moving or opening folders directly.
• Clipboard History: Record the copied content and recall the history at any time.
• window management: Resize and reposition windows to improve multitasking efficiency.
• Quick Links: Customize URL shortcuts for one-click access to frequently used websites.
• Calendar and Reminders: View your schedule or add tasks without opening the Calendar app.
• code control: Manage Visual Studio Code projects and commands directly.
• Translation and Unit Conversion: Enter text or numeric values and complete translations or conversions in real time.

Using Help

Installation process

1. Visit the official website to download
   Open your browser, go to https://www.raycast.com/ and click the "Download for Mac" button on the homepage. After the download is complete, you will get a .dmg Documentation.
2. Installing Raycast
   double-click .dmg file, an installation window will pop up. Drag the Raycast icon to the Applications folder and wait for the installation to complete. Raycast can be found in Applications after installation.
3. Initial startup and setup
   Open Raycast, the first time you run it you will be prompted to set a shortcut key, the default is Option + Space(may be replaced by Command + Space (Alternative to Spotlight). Follow the guide to complete basic settings, such as logging into your account to enable cloud synchronization (optional).
4. Updates and Extensions
   Raycast automatically checks for updates and it is recommended to keep the latest version for new features. Once installed, extensions can be added via the built-in store.

Main function operation flow

1. Quick start applications and file searches

• procedure::
  • Press the shortcut key (default) Option + Space), the Raycast search box pops up.
  • Enter the name of the application (e.g. "Safari") and press enter to open it directly.
  • Enter a filename (e.g. "report.pdf") and Raycast will list the matches. Press Command + Number(e.g. Command + 1) to select the corresponding item, or use the arrow keys to select and enter.
• Advanced Usage::
  • Enter the keyword and press Command + KIf you want to display the file path in the Finder, call up the Action menu and select "Show in Finder" or "Copy File Path".
  • Enter "file" followed by a space to enter a dedicated file search mode to quickly locate documents.

2. Use of AI commands

• procedure::
  • Make sure to subscribe to Raycast Pro (not available in the free version).
  • Open the search box and enter a natural language command, such as "summarize the content of the current web page".
  • If the browser extension is installed, Raycast analyzes the content of the active tab and returns results.
  • Press Enter to confirm, or click on the right-hand model selection (e.g. OpenAI or Anthropic) to adjust the output.
• Featured Functions::
  • Type "translate こんにちは to English" to get "Hello".
  • Type "create a task in Notion called 'Weekly Report'" will automatically create the task in Notion if the Notion plug-in is installed.
• caveat: Internet connection is required, and some complex commands may require several seconds of waiting time.

3. Installation and use of extension plug-ins

• Installation of plug-ins::
  • Type "Store" in the search box and enter to access the Raycast Store.
  • Browse or search for the plugin (e.g. "GitHub") and click "Install" to install it.
  • Once installed, enter the plugin name (e.g. "gh" for GitHub) to access the features.
• usage example::
  • Type "gh search raycast" to search for related projects on GitHub.
  • Type "jira create issue 'fix bug'" to create the task directly in Jira (account configuration required).
• Team Sharing: If you are using the Team Edition, you can filter the team-exclusive plug-ins in the store and install them to make them available to the whole team.

4. Clipboard history management

• procedure::
  • Open Raycast and type "Clipboard History" or "Clipboard".
  • List the most recent copy, select it with the arrow keys, hit enter to paste, or press the Command + C Copy again.
• practical skill::
  • You can fix the frequently used content, select the fixed item after inputting "pin", so it is convenient to reuse.
  • Support for images and text, right mouse button to preview image content.

5. Window management and quick links

• window management::
  • Enter "Window Management", select "Left Half Screen", "Full Screen" and other options, enter to apply to the current window.
  • Support multi-monitor adjustment, input "next display" to switch screen.
• Quick Links::
  • Type "Quicklinks" and click "+" to add a new link (e.g. "https://google.com").
  • Set an alias (e.g. "g"), save it and type "g" to jump.
• Efficiency gains: Set frequently used tools (e.g. Notion, Slack) as quick links to minimize browser actions.

caveat

• Permission settings: The first time you use File Search or Window Manager, you will need to grant Raycast "Accessibility" and "Disk Access" permissions in System Settings.
• Language Support: The interface is in English by default, but AI commands support Chinese input and plug-in functions are independent of the account language.
• Community Support: Visit the Raycast community (link on the official website) for more plugins and tips on how to use them.

With these steps, users can quickly get started with Raycast and optimize their daily workflow with its powerful features.