Vicinae: A Native, Fast, and Extensible Desktop Launcher for Power Users

Vicinae: A Native, Fast, and Extensible Desktop Launcher for Power Users

Summary

Vicinae is a high-performance, native desktop launcher designed for developers and power users. It offers a rich set of built-in modules, extensibility via a TypeScript SDK, and notable compatibility with Raycast extensions. This tool provides fast, keyboard-first access to common system actions, enhancing productivity.

Repository Info

Updated on April 12, 2026
View on GitHub

Introduction

Vicinae (pronounced "vee-CHEE-nay") is a high-performance, native launcher for your desktop, built with C++. It's specifically designed for developers and power users who seek fast, keyboard-first access to common system actions and enhanced productivity. Drawing inspiration from the popular Raycast launcher, Vicinae provides a mostly compatible extension API, allowing for the reuse of many existing Raycast extensions with minimal modification. It comes with a rich set of built-in modules and can be easily extended using its TypeScript SDK.

Installation

For detailed installation instructions and system requirements, please refer to the official Vicinae documentation. The documentation provides comprehensive guides to get Vicinae up and running on your system.

Examples

Vicinae offers a wide array of functionalities to streamline your workflow. You can quickly launch applications, perform file searches, access clipboard history, and use a powerful calculator with history. It also supports script commands, a flexible theming system, and even a dmenu compatibility mode. A significant feature is its Raycast compatibility, which includes access to the official Raycast extension store, allowing for one-click installs directly from within the launcher. This enables users to leverage a vast ecosystem of existing extensions.

Why Use Vicinae?

Vicinae stands out as a powerful productivity tool due to its native performance and speed, ensuring a responsive user experience. Its extensibility through a TypeScript SDK and a global extension store means you can tailor it precisely to your needs, building complex search-focused UIs. For users familiar with Raycast, the compatibility layer offers a seamless transition and access to a vast ecosystem of extensions. It's an ideal choice for power users and developers seeking a highly efficient, keyboard-driven launcher that prioritizes speed and customization.

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