https://github.com/vorojar/quicklaunch
Fast native macOS app launcher — a better alternative to Launchpad. Pinyin search, auto organize, context menu. Pure Swift, zero dependencies.
https://github.com/vorojar/quicklaunch
app-launcher apple-silicon homebrew launchpad launchpad-alternative launchpad-replacement macos macos-26 macos-app menubar native-app pinyin pinyin-search productivity swift swiftui
Last synced: 3 months ago
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Fast native macOS app launcher — a better alternative to Launchpad. Pinyin search, auto organize, context menu. Pure Swift, zero dependencies.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/vorojar/quicklaunch
- Owner: vorojar
- Created: 2026-02-05T00:58:36.000Z (5 months ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2026-04-12T03:52:06.000Z (3 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2026-04-12T04:23:14.296Z (3 months ago)
- Topics: app-launcher, apple-silicon, homebrew, launchpad, launchpad-alternative, launchpad-replacement, macos, macos-26, macos-app, menubar, native-app, pinyin, pinyin-search, productivity, swift, swiftui
- Language: Swift
- Homepage: https://vorojar.github.io/QuickLaunch
- Size: 1.95 MB
- Stars: 1
- Watchers: 0
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
# QuickLaunch - macOS App Launcher
**English** | [中文](README_ZH.md)
> A fast, lightweight, native app launcher for macOS — a better alternative to the built-in Launchpad. Pure Swift, zero dependencies, ~36 MB memory.
[](https://github.com/vorojar/QuickLaunch/releases)
## Why QuickLaunch?
macOS Launchpad lacks pinyin search, category-based organization, context menus, and customizable hotkeys. QuickLaunch fills these gaps while keeping the same smooth, native feel.
### vs. Native Launchpad
| Feature | Launchpad | QuickLaunch |
|---------|:-:|:-:|
| Full-screen blur | ✅ | ✅ |
| Drag & drop / folders | ✅ | ✅ |
| Search | ✅ | ✅ |
| Jiggle delete mode | ✅ | ✅ |
| Auto-detect installs | ✅ | ✅ |
| Pinyin search | ❌ | ✅ |
| Auto organize by category | ❌ | ✅ |
| Usage-based sorting | ❌ | ✅ |
| Context menu | ❌ | ✅ |
| Status bar access | ❌ | ✅ |
| Custom global hotkey | ❌ | ✅ |
## Features
- **Full-screen Launchpad** - Blurred wallpaper background, just like native macOS
- **App Grid** - Display all installed applications with smooth animations
- **Drag & Drop** - Reorder apps by dragging, create folders by dropping one app onto another
- **Folders** - Organize apps into folders, rename them, dissolve when needed
- **Search** - Real-time filtering with Chinese pinyin support
- **Auto Organize** - One-click automatic organization by app category
- **Global Hotkey** - Press `Cmd+Shift+Space` to launch from anywhere
- **Status Bar** - Quick access from menu bar
- **Auto Update** - Automatically detects newly installed/removed apps
- **Bilingual** - Chinese and English based on system language
- **Context Menu** - Right-click for Show in Finder, Get Info, Move to Trash
## Installation
### Method 1: Homebrew (Recommended)
```bash
brew install --cask quicklaunch
```
### Method 2: Direct Download
1. Download the latest [QuickLaunch.dmg](https://github.com/vorojar/QuickLaunch/releases/latest)
2. Open the DMG and drag `QuickLaunch.app` to Applications folder
3. Double-click to launch
## Usage
| Action | How |
|--------|-----|
| Open Launchpad | `Cmd+Shift+Space` or click status bar icon |
| Close Launchpad | `Esc` or click outside |
| Launch App | Click on app icon |
| Search | Start typing |
| Quick Launch | Type and press `Enter` |
| Create Folder | Drag one app onto another |
| Rename Folder | Click folder to open, then click name |
| Reorder Apps | Drag and drop |
| Delete Mode | Long press on any app |
| Context Menu | Right-click on app |
## Performance
| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| App Size | 1.3 MB |
| DMG Size | 454 KB |
| Memory | ~36 MB |
| Idle CPU | 0.0% |
| Dependencies | None |
Pure Swift, zero external dependencies. Icons are pre-rendered at launch for instant display with no frame drops.
## System Requirements
- macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or later
- Apple Silicon or Intel Mac
## Build from Source
```bash
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/vorojar/QuickLaunch.git
cd QuickLaunch
# Build and create app bundle + DMG
./scripts/build.sh
# Run
open QuickLaunch.app
```
## Data Storage
User data is stored in `~/Library/Application Support/QuickLaunch/`:
- `grid_layout.json` - App arrangement and folders
- `usage_stats.json` - App usage statistics
- `hidden_apps.json` - Apps removed from Launchpad
## License
MIT License
## Links
- [Website](https://vorojar.github.io/QuickLaunch)
- [Releases](https://github.com/vorojar/QuickLaunch/releases)
- [Homebrew Cask](https://github.com/Homebrew/homebrew-cask/pull/247853)
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**Keywords:** macOS launcher, Launchpad alternative, Mac app launcher, macOS application launcher, Swift macOS app, pinyin search launcher, Launchpad replacement