Quicksilver
Quicksilver Foundation (originally Nicholas Jitkoff of Blacktree, Inc.)
Quicksilver is a free and open-source productivity application for macOS. It allows you to quickly and efficiently launch applications, browse files, manipulate content, and perform various actions using simple keystrokes.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Fast and efficient application launching
- Highly customizable with plugins and triggers
- Free and open source
- Keyboard-centric workflow
Top Dislikes
- Can have a learning curve for advanced features
- Stability issues reported by some users in the past (though recent updates improve this)
- Smaller community compared to alternatives like Alfred or Raycast
Popular Comments
MacUpdate User - GianMarco.Tavazzani
2024-04-30
Version: 2.4.2. ...
MacUpdate User - mugsuk
2023-09-07
Version: 2.4.1. ...
MacUpdate User - Just-Fred
2023-09-07
Quicksilver is still alive??? I used the app on every Mac, every day. It was a wonderful adjunct to the way I use my computer.
Reddit User - old_tumbleweed
2023-08-02
Every now and then I still check quicksilver for updates. Let's just say it's been awhile. Sad to hear I won't be using it whenever I get my next machine - I have also been using it for a decade and love how fast and powerful it is.
Reddit User - Endorphinity
2023-08-02
The same here, used it for more than a decade. I've been happy with it after its last update (4040), while using it on M1 MBP with Ventura.
Reddit User - sitryd
2014-10-23
I do, religiously, and will likely delay upgrading to a new version of OS X in the future if development on QS stops...
Detailed Review
Quicksilver is a long-standing, free, and open-source application launcher for macOS that focuses on keyboard-driven productivity. It allows users to quickly access applications, files, contacts, and perform various actions using simple keystrokes. Often compared to Spotlight, Alfred, and LaunchBar, Quicksilver distinguishes itself with its highly customizable nature through plugins and triggers, offering a flexible environment for power users. While it was once considered a must-have app in the pre-Spotlight era, it remains a powerful tool for those who prefer a lightweight, keyboard-centric approach to Mac navigation and task execution.
Standout Features
- Application and File Launching: Instantly launch applications and open files with just a few keystrokes using fuzzy matching.
- Actions and Objects: Quicksilver uses a unique "object-action-attribute" paradigm, enabling users to perform actions on selected items, such as emailing a file, moving a folder, or searching the web.
- Plugins: Extends functionality with a wide range of plugins for applications like iTunes, Safari, 1Password, and more, enabling deeper integration and control.
- Triggers: Automate tasks and execute commands using custom keyboard shortcuts.
- Catalog: Indexes selected parts of your hard drive for fast and efficient searching, learning user habits for quicker results over time.
- Free and Open Source: Available at no cost and with an active open-source community contributing to its development and maintenance.
Conclusion
Quicksilver is a robust and versatile productivity tool for macOS, especially appealing to users who value keyboard efficiency and customization. Its open-source nature and free availability make it an attractive option. While it may have a steeper learning curve for fully leveraging its advanced features and plugin ecosystem, the core functionality of fast application and file launching is immediately beneficial. Users seeking a lightweight, powerful, and highly adaptable launcher will find Quicksilver a compelling choice, particularly if they are comfortable exploring plugins to tailor the application to their specific workflows. For users who need extensive pre-built workflows and integrations out-of-the-box, alternatives like Alfred or Raycast might be more immediately accessible, but Quicksilver offers a unique level of flexibility and control for those willing to invest time in customization.
