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Draft:Flow Launcher

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Flow Launcher
Original author(s)Jeremy Wu
Developer(s)Flow Launcher Team
Operating systemWindows
TypeApplication launcher
LicenseFree and open-source software
Websitewww.flowlauncher.com

Flow Launcher is a free and open-source application launcher for Windows. It allows users to quickly search and launch applications, files, internet platforms and perform various system actions using simple keyboard shortcuts. [1]

History and Development

The Flow Launcher project was created by Jeremy Wu in 2020, it is maintained together with an active team of 7 developers and has seen continuous improvement and feature additions.

Over the years the project has maintained an active community of contributors, a strong focus on user feedback and community-driven improvements, and a commitment to open-source principles and continuous enhancements. The development team consistently acknowledges community members for their contributions, bug reports, and feature suggestions.

Key Features

Flow Launcher offers a wide range of functionalities:

Quick Application Launch: Users can rapidly search and launch applications.

File Search: Utilizes Windows Search or Everything to locate files and their contents.

Web Sarches: Enables internet browsing through preferred search engines.

Browser Bookmark Access: Quickly finds bookmarks from various browsers.

System Management: Allows users to restart, sleep, or shut down their computer with a few keystrokes.

Command Execution: Facilitates running batch and PowerShell commands, with options for administrative privileges.

Calculator: Performs mathematical calculations with the ability to copy results to the clipboard.

Settings Search: Provides quick access to Windows and Control Panel settings.

Customizable Themes: Users can choose from various visual themes or create their own.

Customizable Hotkeys: Users can set custom keyboard shortcuts for different functions

Plugin Ecosystem

Flow Launcher supports a vibrant plugin ecosystem:

Development Languages: Plugins can be written in C#, F#, Python, JavaScript, or TypeScript.

Community Contributions: Users have created plugins for various purposes, such as controlling Spotify, searching Steam game libraries, and managing Obsidian notes

Reception

Flow Launcher has been well-received by the productivity tool community, with users praising its versatility and efficiency. It has been noted for its potential to replace or significantly augment the Windows Start menu search functionality. The software's ability to integrate with other applications and services through plugins has been particularly commended, making it a valuable tool for users seeking to optimize their workflow and reduce reliance on mouse-based navigation.

References

  1. ^ "Boost Your Productivity with These 15 Flow Launcher Hacks". Abhi Dadhaniya. Retrieved 27 January 2025.