[Raycast](https://www.raycast.com/) replaces the Spotlight feature when you hit `Command + Space` (it defaults to `Option + Space` but you should change it to `Command + Space`). Raycast 1. Lets you add shortcuts to nearly everything 2. Contains many simple but useful productivity tools 3. Has a developer community building integrations to most modern software Add shortcuts to nearly everything -- For every app in your Applications folder, you can choose a shortcut to open that app. Set a shortcut for every app you regularly use. No more swiping between apps, searching in spotlight or going in your dock to click on them. I can't live without this. I use the Hyper Key option in the Raycast advanced settings. It can configure caps lock ⇪ to be a shortcut key instead of capitalizing text. I prefer shift anyway. [[My software stack|Every app I use]] is configured to open when I press `caps lock + some letter`. Raycast also has Quicklinks, where you can configure links you regularly visit, and add shortcuts to instantly open those in your browser. Quicklinks also lets you add variables. For example, if I copy an address and press `caps lock + m`, my browser opens Google Maps with that address. I configured it with this link: `google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query={clipboard} I also have this for quickly googling what I copied: `google.com/search?q={clipboard}` Simple but useful productivity tools -- - Clipboard history: See, search in and paste everything you have ever copied. - Window management: Place your apps in split screen, thirds, quadrants, etc. Paired with shortcuts to your apps you can arrange your desktop really fast. - Snippets: Checks if what you write matches with a snippet keyword, then replaces it with that snippet. I have my email, socials, phone number, prompt templates and color codes as snippets. To not interfere with writing, I recommend placing a full stop (.) before your keyword. Mine look like this: .linked, .mail, .phone - The Spotlight replacement does calculation for math, currency, units, date and time. - Camera, emoji selector, notes and focus sessions are all helpful when used through shortcuts. You should add shortcuts for every tool you use regularly, otherwise you won't build the habit. I use `option + some letter` for tools. Other extensions -- - ScreenOCR: Often in a UI there is some text that can't be copied. You can select that area and it copies the text to your clipboard. - Define word: I highlight a word, hit my shortcut (`option + d`) and it shows the definition. - Toothpick: Overview Bluetooth and connect / disconnect devices. - VSCode: The Search Project Manager tool pulls up recently viewed repos for Cursor / VSCode. - Translate highlighted text and copy it to your clipboard. - Hundreds of other extensions, and easy to build yourself. They also do a really cool year in review, here is mine for 2025. ![[Pasted image 20251219181936.png]]