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ArcMenu vs Search Light: catalog facts
ArcMenu	Search Light
Best for: GNOME users who want a classic application menu instead of the activities overview	Best for: GNOME users who want a Spotlight-style search box
Free Free and open source under the GPL version 2 or later.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Brings a traditional searchable start menu to GNOME Customizable menu layout All 3 strengths for ArcMenu Brings a traditional searchable start menu to GNOME Customizable menu layout Open source and published as releases on GitLab	Spotlight-style popup without leaving the current workspace Uses GNOME's built-in search All 3 strengths for Search Light Spotlight-style popup without leaving the current workspace Uses GNOME's built-in search Configurable through a preferences dialog
Only works inside GNOME Shell GNOME extensions can need updates after major GNOME releases	Only works on GNOME Shell GNOME extensions can break with new GNOME releases
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-2.0-or-later	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Offline features available	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for ArcMenu gitlab.com/arcmenu/ArcMenu Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Search Light github.com/icedman/search-light Catalog checked September 24, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.