# Vicinae — Native Open-Source Desktop Launcher

> A fast, extensible desktop launcher built with C++ and Qt that serves as an open-source alternative to Raycast and Alfred, with plugin support and cross-platform reach.

## Install

Save in your project root:

# Vicinae — Native Open-Source Desktop Launcher

## Quick Use
```bash
# macOS (Homebrew)
brew install --cask vicinae
# Linux (AppImage)
wget https://github.com/vicinaehq/vicinae/releases/latest/download/Vicinae.AppImage
chmod +x Vicinae.AppImage && ./Vicinae.AppImage
```

## Introduction
Vicinae is an open-source desktop launcher that combines application launching, file search, clipboard history, and extensible plugins in a single keystroke-activated interface. Built natively in C++23 with Qt, it delivers sub-50ms response times while remaining fully customizable.

## What Vicinae Does
- Launch applications, open files, and run system commands from a single search bar
- Search files and folders across your filesystem with instant results
- Manage clipboard history with pinned items and search
- Execute custom workflows through a TypeScript-based plugin system
- Provide quick-access calculator, unit converter, and dictionary

## Architecture Overview
Vicinae is built with C++23 for the core engine and Qt for the native UI layer. Plugins run in an embedded Node.js runtime with a React-based UI toolkit, allowing community extensions without compromising the native performance of the host application. An index service runs in the background to keep file and app search instant.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Install via Homebrew on macOS or download AppImage/deb for Linux
- Configure the global hotkey and appearance in the settings panel
- Install plugins from the built-in plugin store or load local plugins
- Customize search paths and indexing rules for file search
- Set up custom web search shortcuts and quick links

## Key Features
- Sub-50ms launch time thanks to native C++ implementation
- Cross-platform support for macOS and Linux with consistent behavior
- Plugin ecosystem built on React and TypeScript for easy extension development
- Clipboard history with search, pinning, and rich content preview
- Fully open source under a permissive license with no telemetry

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Raycast** — macOS-only and closed source; Vicinae is cross-platform and fully open
- **Alfred** — macOS-only with paid powerpack; Vicinae is free with all features included
- **Ulauncher** — Python-based Linux launcher; Vicinae offers native performance and richer plugins
- **Albert** — C++/Qt launcher for Linux; Vicinae adds a modern plugin system and clipboard manager
- **Spotlight** — built into macOS; Vicinae extends beyond search with workflows and plugins

## FAQ
**Q: Does Vicinae support Windows?**
A: Windows support is on the roadmap. Currently macOS and Linux are supported.

**Q: How do I write a plugin?**
A: Plugins are TypeScript/React projects. The CLI scaffolds a starter template with hot-reload for development.

**Q: Does it phone home or collect data?**
A: No. Vicinae has zero telemetry and all data stays on your machine.

**Q: Can I migrate from Raycast or Alfred?**
A: There is no direct migration tool, but most workflows can be recreated using Vicinae's plugin API.

## Sources
- https://github.com/vicinaehq/vicinae
- https://vicinae.app

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-ba94fbac
Author: AI Open Source