Sol
An open-source launcher and command palette for macOS, similar in approach to Raycast.
These buttons open the developer's own site, repository or store listing in a new tab. wares.gg does not host downloads.
1 more ways to get Sol
Package managers
- Homebrew
brew install --cask sol
About Sol
Sol is a launcher and command palette for macOS. You call it up with a shortcut, type to find applications and commands, and run them without reaching for the mouse. It is a free alternative for people who want a Raycast-style workflow without a commercial app.
The project is open source and actively developed, with close to 900 commits and a sizeable user base on GitHub. Releases are published from the repository.
Strengths
- Free launcher and command palette in one
- Open source with active development
- Keyboard-driven workflow
Limitations
- macOS only
- Smaller extension ecosystem than commercial launchers
Details
- Pricing
- FreeFree and open source.
- License
- Open source, license not stated
- Developer
- Oscar Franco
- Platforms
- macOS
- How it runs
- Downloadable app
- Account
- Not required
- Best suited for
- Mac users who want a free, open-source Raycast or Spotlight replacement
- Categories
- App launchers
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.
Alternatives to Sol
Compare allSoftware that can replace Sol for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
Raycast
Fast macOS launcher replacing Spotlight with clipboard history and extensions.
Raycast is closed source freemium with a larger extension ecosystem and built-in clipboard history and window management, while some advanced features need a paid plan.
Alfred
macOS productivity launcher with custom workflows, clipboard history, and snippets.
Alfred is closed source freemium with custom workflows, clipboard history and snippets, which require the paid Powerpack.
Quicksilver
An open-source macOS launcher that opens apps and files and acts on them from the keyboard.
Quicksilver is also free and open source, acting on files and apps with hundreds of plugins, though its action-based workflow takes time to learn.
LaunchBar
A keyboard-driven macOS launcher for apps, documents, contacts, reminders, files and web searches.
LaunchBar is a paid, closed source launcher with abbreviation learning, file browsing, clipboard history and snippets, indexing reminders and contacts.
Monarch
A keyboard-driven macOS launcher with a calculator, clipboard history, system controls and bookmarks.
Monarch is free but closed source and pre-1.0, with a calculator, clipboard history and system controls, and no Intel Mac support yet.
Gauntlet
An open-source, Raycast-inspired cross-platform application launcher with plugins written in React.
Gauntlet is free and open source, a Raycast-inspired launcher for macOS and Linux whose plugins are written in React.
Wox
A fully native keyboard launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux, with GPU rendering and a plugin system, as an open Raycast alternative.
Wox is free and open source under GPL-3.0, runs natively on Windows, macOS and Linux with a plugin store, though its version 2 rewrite is young.
Albert
Extensible keyboard launcher for Linux and macOS inspired by Alfred.
Albert is free and open source, runs on macOS and Linux with a plugin architecture, but requires manual plugin configuration.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.
rcmd
A macOS app switcher that focuses or launches apps with the right Command key and a letter.
Script Kit
A cross-platform desktop app for writing and launching JavaScript and TypeScript scripts from a prompt.
Contexts
A Mac window switcher with fuzzy search, a sidebar, gestures and a replacement Command-Tab.
Thor
A macOS utility that opens or switches to a chosen application with a keyboard shortcut.
Vicinae
A native, extensible keyboard-driven launcher for Linux desktops, inspired by Raycast.
Witch
A macOS switcher that moves between individual windows and tabs, not just applications.
