[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
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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.
Simple but useful productivity tools
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- 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
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- 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.