Ueli
A keystroke launcher that works the same on Windows, macOS and Linux, which most launchers do not.
These buttons open the developer's own site, repository or store listing in a new tab. wares.gg does not host downloads.
4 more ways to get Ueli
Other download sites
Run by third parties, not by Ueli. Prefer the official page above when it works.
Package managers
- winget
winget install --id OliverSchwendener.ueli - Chocolatey
choco install ueli - Homebrew
brew install --cask ueli
About Ueli
Ueli opens on Alt-Space, searches applications, files, browser bookmarks and system commands, and runs the selected item on Enter. A second shortcut opens extra actions for whatever is highlighted, so you can reveal a file in the file manager or copy its path without leaving the keyboard.
Its reason to exist is consistency across operating systems: the same launcher and the same shortcuts on a Mac, a Windows desktop and a Linux laptop. Note that the macOS and direct-download Windows binaries are unsigned, so both systems will warn you unless you install from the Microsoft Store.
Strengths
- The same launcher and shortcuts on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Extra actions per result without reaching for the mouse
- Microsoft Store listing, so the Windows install is signed
- Actively developed with frequent releases
Limitations
- macOS and direct Windows downloads are unsigned and will be blocked on first run
- Fewer plugins than the platform-specific launchers
- Electron, so it uses more memory than a native launcher
- Linux packaging is limited to AppImage and DEB
Details
- Pricing
- FreeFree and open source under the MIT licence.
- License
- MIT
- Developer
- Ueli
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- How it runs
- Downloadable app
- Account
- Not required
- Works offline
- Yes
- Best suited for
- Using the same launcher muscle memory on three different operating systems
- Categories
- App launchers
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Selected from the TechWalrus downloads catalog (Utilities); facts checked against the developer's own pages, 2 sources on file.
Alternatives to Ueli
Compare allSoftware that can replace Ueli for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
Wox
A fully native keyboard launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux, with GPU rendering and a plugin system, as an open Raycast alternative.
Wox also covers Windows, macOS and Linux for free, but is fully native with GPU rendering instead of Electron and uses GPL-3.0 rather than MIT.
Cerebro
Launch applications and run searches from a keyboard-driven panel.
Cerebro is another free, MIT-licensed keyboard launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux, with plugins whose availability depends on third-party maintenance.
Flow Launcher
Press a hotkey, type a few letters, and open an app, a file, a bookmark or a web search on Windows.
Flow Launcher is Windows only, but uses the Everything index for instant file search and has a large community plugin library with an in-app store.
Raycast
Fast macOS launcher replacing Spotlight with clipboard history and extensions.
Raycast is macOS only and freemium with a larger extension ecosystem and built-in clipboard history and window management, while some features require a paid plan.
Alfred
macOS productivity launcher with custom workflows, clipboard history, and snippets.
Alfred is macOS only and closed source, adding custom workflows, clipboard history and snippets, though those need the paid Powerpack.
Albert
Extensible keyboard launcher for Linux and macOS inspired by Alfred.
Albert is a lightweight native C++/Qt launcher for Linux and macOS only, with no Windows support and plugins that need manual configuration.
Ulauncher
Fast, extensible application launcher built for Linux desktops.
Ulauncher is free and open source but runs only on Linux, offering a large community extension ecosystem and a fast keyboard-focused interface.
Keypirinha
A very fast keystroke launcher for Windows, entirely portable, with packages written in Python.
Keypirinha is a fast, portable Windows-only launcher with Python packages, but it is closed source and has had no release since November 2020.
Ueli as an alternative
Listings that name Ueli as an alternative.
Listary
Instant file search and app launching on Windows, with a search box that appears inside file dialogs as well as on its own.
Ueli is free under MIT and works on Windows, macOS and Linux, with extra actions per result, though it runs on Electron and uses more memory.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.
Everything
A free Windows search tool from voidtools that finds files and folders by name instantly.
Kando
Circular pie menu that launches apps, runs scripts and fires keyboard shortcuts.
