Some people have endless mouse material when it comes to starting an app, but you are likely to use Linux launchers because you would prefer to use your computer as a product manager. That’s why an app launcher that allows you to scan your files with a few touches on your keyboard from launching apps is helpful.
Luckily you have plenty of Linux options, but it can be difficult to choose between them. That’s why we have completed some of the best Linux app launchers.
10 Best Linux Launchers
Here the top 10 Linux Launchers you should know about
1. Cerebro
In recent years, if you have used macOS, it could be that Cerebro is familiar. Why does this happen? The app is intended to provide the same functionality as the macOS-built spotlight.
Ctrl space is the default keyboard shortcut to start the program. You can run programs, scan files, and more when the small window is pop up. A map of that position will appear in the window by entering a place name followed by “map”.
Begin typing a basic math bit like “2+2” and the results will appear immediately. Other platforms incorporate the plugins. These plugins appear directly in the Cerebro interface, so you don’t have to scan for them on the web like you might for other launchers.
Cerebro, in addition to Linux, is an Electron app that runs on macOS and Windows. Development seems to be declining but Cerebro provides a total experience.
2. Synase
You have already been stumbling across Synapse for years if you have ever looked at the launcher of Linux apps before. This app uses the Zeitgeist Gnome motor to rapidly blaze its search results. This means also that if you are not a Gnome user, this may not be your top pick.
Synapse also offers fast shortcuts to log from your user account and shut down/reload your computer, in addition to starting apps and searching apps and searching files. You can also play MP3 files on the default media player by using plugins, executing terminal commands, and locking your display.
Synapse has been slower in development, with the majority of new releases based on bug fixation and not new features. The last version was April 2018, but don’t let Synapse stop you, especially if you are using Ubuntu.
3. Launchy
Launchy may be known to Windows users as one of the oldest launchers on this list. It appears that the app is mostly based on windows, but also Linux and macOS. All of the Launchy plugins on the webpage are windows only, but you can see that a Launchy plugins kit is available when you update on Ubuntu.
You will find and boot apps here as well as scan and open files, all the default features you would expect. That’s always convenient even though you are never touching plug-ins. It’s a good choice if you are looking for convenience rather than excitement. It’s also helpful if you just want to use a launcher you know from the window.
4. Lighthouse
Unlike several other entries, it is not listed as a launcher by Lighthouse developers. Instead, “A simple flexible popup dialog to run on X” is defined.
It can be a good option if you want any of the advantages of a launcher without adding bulk to your setup. Lighthouse is incredibly lightweight and will not waste running systems.
You must set it yourself on the downside. The keyboard is not even a regular shortcut. It’s up to you how to find out how you want to get it started. The only prebuilt package is available in the Arch Linux lighthouse-git package.
5. Kupfer
While Cerebro was inspired by Spotlight and by Albert, Kupfer was inspired by the launcher Quicksilver. Albert was inspired by Alfred. If you are trying to do “the comma trick”, days, which helps you to work on several files on your PC, you will love Kupfer.
This feature is one of several others in Kupfer. Kupfer uses a plug-in system like many other launchers. It is used extensively here since a plug-in included also processes beginning applications. Other plug-ins provide support for the Thunar file explorer and the Gnote or Tomboy Notes plug-in.
In two years Kupfer has not changed, but it’s worth a look if you are an old or current Quicksilver user.
6. Apwal
In this list, Apwal is not the same as any other launcher. Apwal depends entirely on your mouse rather than relying on Keyboard shortcuts. It attaches to the right mouse button in particular.
Click on the right mouse button and different icons appear, enabling you with two fast clicks to open widely used apps. You can customize your displayed icons and exactly what happens when you press it with the included Apwal Editor.
Instead of the right mouse button, you can set the Apwal keyboard shortcut to use Alt+ Space to function as the other launches on this list. However, if you are a visually more focused guy, this is a different approach.
7. Ulauncher
One of the hottest starters these days, Ulauncher does not go too far away from the rest of the lists. That said, it’s doing well what it does.
If you are not an odd person, Ulauncher might be your new best friend because it’s doing a good job finding what you said. Better still, the more use you make, the better when you type only a few letters it learns what you want to open. It suits like a glove eventually.
Ulauncher has a wide variety of extensions including two-factor authentication support, integration of Trello, integration into docker systems, and even the ability to scan Visual Studio Code projects. Debian/ Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS, and OpenSUSE are available in bundles, so installation is simple. Development remains very active, so it could be the best option if you want to live at the cutting edge.
8. Docky
Want launchers for ubuntu linux? Docky is as similar as possible to Ubuntu’s macOS dock. You can customize the launcher exactly like a Mac dock and use various types and topics, and even line it up elsewhere. One of Docky’s best features is to build multiple docks at either end of the screen. In conjunction with specific dockets you like, you can customize the topic for any dock you make. To track your battery at a glance, you need a special battery details docket. Docky makes a lot of personalization possible, and it is certainly one of the Ubuntu app starters you need to try.
9. Gnome pie
Gnome pie’s a launcher of a very different kind. It doesn’t work as a dock or a panel. Gnome Pie must be enabled by using its hotkey, and a pie-like menu with programs, directories, etc. can be opened. Gnome Pie can be personalized and menus can be produced according to your working style. For various types of applications, you can build several “Slices”. Gnome Pie is supplied by default with menu objects, media software, utilities, folders, and more. These can be mixed and matched to make a highly personalized Ubuntu Gnome Pie.
10. Albert
Albert is Ubuntu’s powerful app launcher. It is ideal for people who want to search the device using the keyboard. The app begins with a custom hotkey and looks very much like a macOS light. Alberts’s features are close to Spotlight, as it can launch applications, measure, and do much more. Albert is highly customizable and is recommended as much as possible for those who want to use their Keyboards. Albert does not come with a fixed hotkey by default, so on the first launch you have to configure a hotkey (I recommend ctrl+ space), and after that, you are good to go.
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